When a parent suddenly needs to be placed in Assisted Living or Memory Care, adult children are frequently scrambling to find the right place, unaware that what can hold the process up is having all the required documents together, too.

This past week, as one local adult child and I worked to identify the most appropriate option that met the family’s financial budget, their mother’s specific health needs, was within eight miles of the local adult child’s home, had immediate availability and a strong reputation, I assigned the other visiting adult child to manage getting documents required for the application in place, as well as packing items from home for the actual move-in.

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While there can be some slight variation between residential care communities, in general, all will require the family provide the following:

  • FL2 (A one-page form completed by the primary care physician that lists patient health conditions, medications, care needed, dietary restrictions, etc.)
    • A TB test (some doctors’ offices keep these on hand; many, however, have to order them, which could take several days). Keep in mind that the TB test must be given to the patient, then the patient must return 48-72 hours later to have it read). The TB test and FL2 much be completed within 30 days of move-in.
      • While at the doctor, be sure to ask them (if they haven’t already) to discuss with your parent a MOST (also known as a "Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment" form) and DNR (also known as a “Do Not Resuscitate"). The MOST form is only one page and in an emergency, physicians often look to this short form with the patient’s critical wishes before acting. It is quicker to digest than a longer Advanced Directive drafted by a lawyer.
        • The community will want a copy of the Health and Financial Power of Attorney documents, and Living Will, if your parent has one.
          • Copies of your parent’s photo ID, Social Security card, Medicare Card and any other supplemental health insurance card they may have.
            • The community will also ask you to provide information on your parent’s pharmacy and sign a form transferring their medications to the community’s pharmacy provider. They will want to have all medications in their original bottles on move-in.
              • You will also need to provide proof of assets to pay for the first year, as well as information to autodraft.

                As far as what to bring on move-in day, it will depend on the community. Communities often offer residents the option of whether to bring in their own furniture or use that of the community. Most communities provide towels and linens. Residents should bring several weeks of clothes (labeled, if possible), toiletries, and personal items to make the room feel more like home, as well as any items used on a daily basis, like magnifying glasses, special lamps, a radio or clock, television, walker or cane.

                It’s best to divide and conquer to make the move go as smoothly and expeditiously as possible.