1. Before choosing a community
- Write down the care needs that matter today and what may change in the next year.
- Set a realistic monthly budget and ask what services cost extra.
- Compare both larger communities and small residential homes when appropriate.
- Review current California licensing information and tour in person.
- Ask about staffing by shift, medication assistance, transportation, meals, activities, and move-out rules.
2. Documents & logistics
- Identify the people authorized to help with financial, legal, and healthcare decisions.
- Gather identification, insurance information, emergency contacts, and facility-requested documents.
- Make a list of utilities, subscriptions, mail, deliveries, and recurring services that may need changes.
- Confirm move-in date, apartment measurements, furniture rules, and moving-company requirements.
3. Belongings
- Measure the new space before deciding what moves.
- Create four groups: move, family, donate/sell, and undecided.
- Photograph meaningful items before distributing them.
- Handle sentimental decisions before moving day whenever possible.
4. The house
You do not have to decide immediately, but the family should understand the major paths.
- Keep it: consider carrying costs, insurance, maintenance, security and who will manage it.
- Rent it: estimate realistic rent after management, repairs, vacancies and ongoing expenses.
- Sell as-is: potentially simpler and faster, but compare the tradeoff in sale price.
- Prepare and sell: determine whether repairs, clean-out or presentation are likely to justify the time and expense.
Real-estate, tax and legal decisions can have significant consequences. Get appropriate professional advice for your family's circumstances.
5. Moving week
- Pack a clearly marked first-night bag.
- Keep medications, important documents and valuables with the family rather than the moving truck.
- Confirm who will be present at the old home and the new community.
- Schedule a family check-in after the first few days and again after the first few weeks.