Planning a Senior Move in 2025?

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to successfully transition into a senior living community for you or a loved one? We have included a comprehensive list of action items to help you manage the moving process and local government resources to guide you on the right path.

1. Plan Ahead - utilize the expertise of our Senior Living Advisors to make this process much easier!

• Set a timeline: Start by identifying your ideal move-in date. Work backward to create deadlines for tasks like selecting a community, decluttering, and packing.

• Visit communities: Schedule tours and ask detailed questions about services, amenities, and costs. Take notes for comparison.

• Budget: Review your finances and confirm costs, including monthly fees, move-in expenses, and potential healthcare services.

2. Declutter with Purpose

• Use the “four-box method”: Label boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” Tackle one room at a time to avoid overwhelm. We have movers who specialize in senior moves to help you navigate this process and take the burden off you and your loved ones.

• Digitize memories: Scan old photos and documents to save space and preserve them for future generations.

• Hire help: Consider a senior move manager or professional organizer if downsizing feels overwhelming.

3. Focus on Wellness

• Get active: Walk daily or join a light exercise class to maintain physical strength for moving day.

• Stay hydrated and eat well: Proper nutrition boosts energy and reduces stress.

• Schedule checkups: Visit your doctor and ensure prescriptions are up-to-date before the move.

4. Foster Connections

• Introduce yourself: Ask the community staff to connect you with current residents. Join a club or group

before moving in if allowed.

• Attend events: Participate in open houses or socials to familiarize yourself with the environment.

• Join online groups: Many senior living communities have Facebook groups or newsletters. Get involved early.

5. Stay Organized

• Create a moving binder: Keep contracts, checklists, and important contacts in one place.

• Coordinate moving services: Book movers early, especially if your move aligns with peak seasons.

• Notify necessary parties: Update your address with the postal service, banks, insurance providers, and

healthcare professionals.

6. Maintain a Positive Outlook

• Focus on benefits: List all the things you’re looking forward to—like new friends, less house maintenance, or

engaging activities.

• Practice gratitude: Reflect on positive aspects of the past while being excited about the future.

• Set goals: Decide on one or two activities you want to try once you’re settled in.

7. Involve Loved Ones

• Ask for help: Share your checklist with family members and assign tasks they can help with, like packing or

researching services.

• Host a farewell event: Plan a casual gathering to celebrate your next chapter with friends and family.

• Communicate regularly: Keep loved ones updated on your progress, especially if they are helping with the

move.

Agencies on Aging (AAA)

• These organizations often have detailed lists and guidance for local senior living options.

• Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA: eldercare.acl.gov

Organizing Your Move

1. National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM)

• Certified professionals who specialize in helping older adults downsize and transition to senior living.

• Website: www.nasmm.org

2. Decluttering and Downsizing Services

Here are several U.S. government agencies and programs that provide assistance to seniors:

Federal Programs and Agencies

1. Administration for Community Living (ACL)

• Focuses on services that support older adults living independently.

• Website: www.acl.gov

2. Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Seniors can also get help with applying for Medicare.

• Website: www.ssa.gov

• Phone: 1-800-772-1213

3. Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• Offers health insurance for people 65+ (Medicare) and assistance for low-income seniors (Medicaid).

• Website: www.medicare.gov

• Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

4. Veterans Affairs (VA)

• Provides healthcare, pensions, and home care services for eligible senior veterans.

• Website: www.va.gov

• Phone: 1-800-827-1000

5. Eldercare Locator

• A nationwide service connecting seniors to local resources like meal programs, transportation, and housing assistance.

• Website: eldercare.acl.gov

• Phone: 1-800-677-1116

6. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Provides food assistance for low-income seniors. Some areas have simplified application processes for seniors.

• Website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap

• Contact your local SNAP office.

State and Local Resources

1. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

• Local organizations offering programs like home-delivered meals, caregiver support, and transportation.

• Find your local AAA via the Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov

2. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

• Free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries to help with enrollment, billing issues, and supplemental insurance.

• Website: www.shiphelp.org

3. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• Helps seniors with energy bills, weatherization, and energy-related repairs.

• Website: www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap

Housing and Home Support Programs

1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Provides subsidized housing and reverse mortgage counseling for seniors.

• Website: www.hud.gov

• Phone: 1-800-569-4287

2. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

• Medicaid programs that support in-home care for seniors.

• Contact your state’s Medicaid office for details.

3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• Helps seniors reduce energy costs by improving home efficiency.

• Website: www.energy.gov/eere/wap

Financial and Legal Assistance

1. Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

• Funds legal aid for seniors facing issues like housing, healthcare, and benefits disputes.

• Website: www.lsc.gov

2. Benefits.gov

• A comprehensive resource to find federal and state benefits for seniors.

• Website: www.benefits.gov

This is a lot of information and it can be overwhelming. We make the process so much easier by guiding your through each step of the process and helping you make informed decisions. We make it so easy - just click here!

#AssistedLiving #RetirementLife #SeniorCare #AgingGracefully #HealthyAging #WellnessForSeniors #ActiveSenior #ElderCare #LifeInRetirement #AgingWithPurpose #LivingMyBestLife #PositiveAging #CaringForSeniors #SupportOurSeniors