Essential Documents to Gather When Considering a Move to a Senior Living Community
Preparing for a transition into a senior living community can feel like sorting through a lifetime’s worth of chapters. Families often arrive with equal parts hope, relief, and uncertainty. One of the most grounding steps in this process is gathering the right documents early. Think of it as assembling a gentle roadmap for a smoother, stress-lighter move.
At Family Ties Senior Placement Services, our Senior Living Advisors help families navigate every twist and turn. Below is a guide to the essential documents you’ll want to collect as you begin exploring assisted living, memory care, or respite options.
1. Personal Identification: The Anchors of Every Application
These documents confirm identity and are required by every reputable senior living community:
• Government-issued ID
• Social Security card
• Medicare/Medicaid cards
• Supplemental insurance cards
• Birth certificate (if available)
Having these accessible ensures faster admissions and fewer delays
2. Medical Records and Medication Lists: A Snapshot of Current Care
Communities want to clearly understand a resident’s health needs so they can prepare the proper support.
Gather:
• Recent medical history
• List of current doctors and specialists
• Medication list with dosages
• Relevant hospital discharge summaries
• Immunization records
Your Senior Living Advisor can help you coordinate these with providers to ensure nothing is overlooked.
3. Legal Documents: The Safety Net
These protect your loved one’s rights and help communities understand who can make decisions if needed.
• Power of Attorney (medical and financial)
• Healthcare Directive / Living Will
• Guardianship documentation (if applicable)
• HIPAA release forms
If some of these aren’t completed yet, now is the perfect time to talk with an estate planning professional.
4. Financial Documents: The Blueprint for Budgeting
Understanding financial resources helps determine which communities, care levels, and pricing structures are the best fit.
Collect:
• Income statements
• Social Security benefit statements
• Retirement account summaries
• Long-term care insurance policies
• Bank statements
• Veteran benefit documentation
Your Senior Living Advisor can help estimate care costs and compare them to your loved one’s available resources.
5. Personal & Lifestyle Information: The Heart of the Move
These aren’t always “official” documents, but they help communities tailor care and create comfort from day one.
• List of favorite routines
• Current hobbies and interests
• Dietary preferences
• Spiritual or cultural considerations
• Family contact list
These details help your loved one feel more at home and more understood.
6. Home-Related Documents (If a Move Involves Selling Property)
For many families, the move goes hand-in-hand with preparing a home for sale.
• Property deed
• Mortgage payoff documents
• Home insurance information
• Recent tax statements
Family Ties Senior Placements and our a Senior Living Advisors, proudly partners with Welcome Home Team @ BH&G, who can help families prepare, list, and sell with compassion and expertise.
A Gentle Reminder
No one is expected to gather all of these overnight. Transitioning into a senior living community is a process, not a race. A Family Ties senior living advisor can walk with you step by step, ensuring every document, detail, and decision aligns with your loved one’s needs and future.
If you’re preparing for a move, or just starting to explore what might be best, we’re here to help the journey feel steadier, softer, and easier. Let’s connect to answer your question and help you gain peace of mind during this time.
