Alright, Mom has agreed to move into Assisted Living and you have crossed all the logistical requirements for move-in covered in this earlier {{a}}post{{/a}}.
It should be a piece of cake from here on, right?
Actually, there can still be hiccups. And the last thing you want is for mom to change her mind because things feel chaotic and daunting on move-in day.
Information can make all the difference. I reached out to Norelle Kranking, LPN, Resident Care Coordinator in Assisted Living at
Magnolia Glen. Kranking has worked in the industry for 11 years. I approached her because of how efficiently, compassionately and effectively she has worked with several of my clients.
When I asked her how to ensure a smooth move, she said, “Undoubtedly, your move-in day will be very packed, but if you know ahead of time what to expect, it need not be stressful. In fact, hopefully—and I’ve seen this with many of our residents here—instead there’s a lot of relief that mom or dad are finally in a place where their care needs can be met.”
Here are some ways, Kranking informed me, to ensure a smooth move-in:
- If needed, select a moving company and/or senior move manager to help with the move.
Some Assisted Living communities have relationships with one that may give you a special price. What’s worth more is that they are familiar with community move-in procedures, relieving you of running around to find answers. (Magnolia Glen works with K&B Movers.)
Set a day and time when a staff member from the community will be available to help with the move-in.
For example, what’s the best place for the moving van to park? Do they have a dolly to help with heavier objects? Where are the elevators? Will someone be there to direct the mover to the apartment and unlock it?
Be strategic about the time of day you move in.
Many families will schedule the move to happen right before lunch. Magnolia Glen assigns a “meal buddy,” for your parent to sit with that first day. This allows you to handle the heavy lifting and set up the room while mom is occupied.
While the FL-2 your parent’s primary care physician completed for the application should include mom’s most up-to-date medical orders, make sure it is correct.
Norelle Kranking said that this is the most common problem families encounter when they move-in. It is understandable because many elderly see a primary physician, as well as specialists and do not log their medical orders in one electronic medical portal. These medical orders must specify both prescription and over-the-counter medications. (North Carolina regulation does not allow residents to keep over-the-counter medicines in their apartment when they live in Assisted Living.) Also, you must provide the Care Coordinator a hard copy of any prescriptions for controlled substances.
In addition, make sure you bring any medical orders for physical or occupational therapy; and any special equipment your parent may need (for example, a walker, a wheelchair, or a hospital bed).
If it is ordered by a physician and seen as medically necessary, Medicare will often help pay for it. That said, it can take time to coordinate the ordering and delivery of medical equipment. At Magnolia Glen, Kranking said, the physical and occupational therapists can recommend durable medical equipment providers and help with ordering and delivery, if needed.
Create a list of all your parent’s physicians, as well as their contact information, for the Care Coordinator. Find out from the AL community who handles what and how to reach them.
For example, if mom has dietary preferences, do you need to provide these to the food supervisor or do you need to fill out menus each week with mom to address her needs and preferences? Who do you call if you can’t get the internet or cable to work? Who do you call if your mom needs some pain meds?
Find out of there is a person designated to help your mom or dad connect with people and activities starting on move-in day.
Magnolia Glen has a volunteer welcome committee that pairs new residents with buddies, who will sit with them at lunch or answer questions about the laundry, mail or activities.
“Each community is different. Some have formal “Move-in” packets, while others simply have individuals available to answer your questions. One is not necessarily better than the other,” Kranking said. “Just be as informed about the process as possible beforehand and everyone will sleep better.”
