The Moving to Assisted Living Checklist That Actually Helps Families

We know you didn't wake up one day and think, "Let's move Dad to assisted living." 

This decision probably came after months — maybe years — of small worries that grew into bigger ones. The missed medications. The forgotten stove. The phone calls that go unanswered just a little too long.

If you're reading this, you've likely already wrestled with the hardest part: knowing it's time. Now comes the practical part, and honestly? That brings its own kind of stress.

Here's the thing: The most successful moves aren't about having the perfect checklist. They're not about getting things packed just so. They're about maintaining connection and dignity throughout the process.

So yes, we'll give you the essential moving to assisted living checklist you need. But we'll also share the things no one talks about. Like how to keep your parent feeling like themselves during the biggest change they've faced in decades.

Before we dive into logistics, let's acknowledge what's really happening here. You're not just moving belongings from Point A to Point B. You're helping someone you love transition from the place where they felt most independent to a place where they'll need to rebuild that sense of home.

That's huge. And it's okay if it feels overwhelming.

It's natural to want to assemble the perfect, most organized and comprehensive spreadsheet. It gives us a sense of control. And, yes, organization can certainly make things easier. 

But columns and rows can't rescue us here. The smoothest transitions happen when you prioritize staying connected before, during, and especially after the move.

Include an up-to-date list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements your loved one takes, along with dosages, timing, and prescribing physicians.

Even better: ask their pharmacist to print a comprehensive list. This prevents dangerous gaps in medication during the transition.

Create a clear, printed list of important phone numbers. Include your contact info, primary doctors, pharmacy, and any specialists involved in care. Don't forget to include backup contacts for when you're unavailable.

Have photocopies of your loved one’s Social Security card and any Medicare or Medicaid enrollment documents ready to share with the facility as needed. Photocopies are fine and having them organized saves hours during intake.

Packing for assisted living is about more than just the basics. The goal is to make your loved one feel truly at home. Here’s a list of everyday items that can help bring comfort, maintain routine, and personalize their new space.

Pack enough easy-wear clothing for about ten days. Think soft fabrics, elastic waistbands, and items that make them feel like themselves. Skip the dry-clean-only pieces.

A few pairs of pajamas, a cozy robe, and non-slip slippers help keep your loved one warm and comfy during nighttime and early mornings.

The brands they've used for years. This isn't the time to switch to generic substitutes. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, comb or brush, and other personal hygiene items ... Familiar scents and textures provide comfort during a time of change.

Their own pillow, a familiar blanket, and comfortable pajamas can be the difference between restless nights and peaceful sleep. Check with the facility to see what’s provided. If the facility allows, bring their favorite sheets too.

Consider a small laundry basket or bag and labeled storage bins or drawer organizers to help keep their space neat and easy to manage.

Help their room feel like home. A few framed family photos, a favorite coffee mug, or that book they're halfway through reading. These familiar touches are anchors to identity that can help ease the transition.

We've watched families struggle with tablets that sit unused and complicated video calling systems that create more barriers than bridges. The most successful transitions happen when staying connected feels effortless.

A TV-based video calling system like JubileeTV makes staying in touch easier than ever. With video calls and messages appearing right on your loved one’s TV, there’s no need to learn a new device or push buttons. 

Even better, you can manage everything remotely, from turning on the TV to starting a call, so your parent never feels out of reach, even if you're miles away.

These simple devices provide 24/7 access to help in case of an emergency. Look for one with fall detection and Wi-Fi capability so it works reliably within assisted living facilities. Some models can be worn as a necklace  or bracelet for added comfort and convenience. The best ones work reliably within facility WiFi networks and don't require your parent to remember to charge multiple devices.

A digital frame preloaded with family photos can help your parent feel surrounded by loved ones. Many options allow you to update images remotely, so you can keep things fresh with new memories throughout the year.

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest can make daily routines easier. Seniors can use simple voice commands to check the weather, play music, set reminders, or hear the news, without needing to navigate a screen.

For residents who are hard of hearing, or simply want to enjoy their shows without background noise, TV headphones can be a thoughtful addition. Look for wireless, over-ear models that are easy to charge and adjust.

A clear, readable clock that shows the day of the week and time of day can help with orientation and routine. Some models also display weather updates or reminders.

For added peace of mind, a pill dispenser with scheduled alerts ensures that medications aren’t forgotten. Choose one with clear audio or visual cues, and a locking feature if needed.

If they wear hearing aids, bring all the accessories, including chargers, cleaning supplies, extra batteries, and storage containers to keep everything organized and accessible. Same for glasses, dentures, or mobility aids. Include care instructions for staff.

Motion-sensor nightlights for hallways and bathrooms can prevent falls without making the space feel institutional. Grab bars in shower areas provide security.

Bring along  items that support their favorite pastimes. Whether it's a crossword puzzle book, knitting supplies, or card games, these simple comforts help maintain routines and boost well-being by keeping their hands and minds busy. These activities become even more important in a new environment.

The checklist gets you moved in, but here's what really matters for long-term success:

Week 1: Expect Adjustment
Your parent might seem different at the beginning. Maybe a bit more tired, confused, or emotional. This is normal. Their world just changed completely.

Week 2-3: Stay Visible
This is when many families step back, thinking "They're settled now." Don't. This is when your presence matters most. Regular check-ins, whether in person or through tools like JubileeTV, provide crucial emotional stability.

Week 4: Look for Patterns
Are they eating? Participating in activities? Making connections? This is when you can assess what's working and what needs adjustment.

We mentioned JubileeTV earlier, and here's why it matters for assisted living transitions: it works through the TV they already know.

No new devices to learn. No apps to download. No forgotten passwords.

From your phone, you can:

• Check in with video calls that appear on their TV
• Send reminders about meals, medications, or activities
• Share photos from family gatherings
• Help troubleshoot their TV or other devices by seeing what they see
• Schedule their favorite shows to play automatically
  
  

For families dealing with assisted living transitions, this means staying connected without adding complexity to an already overwhelming situation.

The months ahead will bring new routines, new faces, and new challenges.When families look back on this transition, the ones who feel good about how it went usually share one thing in common: they focused on maintaining dignity, connection, and identity throughout the process.

The families who navigate this transition best focus on three things:

1. Consistent presence (even when you can't be there physically)
2. Familiar comforts in an unfamiliar place
3. Technology that enhances rather than complicates their daily life
   
   

Your parent's comfort and your peace of mind don't have to be casualties of this transition. With the right preparation and the right tools, moving to assisted living can be the beginning of a new chapter—not the end of an old one.

Ready to make this transition easier for everyone involved? Take our quick assessment to discover if JubileeTV could help your family stay connected—and give you both the peace of mind you deserve.