Reading Time: 20 minutes
Format: Actionable Checklists
Updated: May 2026
Facility Tour Checklist
- Schedule tours for 2-3 top choices
- Visit during a meal time to observe dining
- Meet with the administrator or director
- Check cleanliness of common areas and bathrooms
- Observe staff interactions with residents
- Ask about staff-to-resident ratios
- Review activity calendar and programs
- Inspect available room types and sizes
- Check outdoor spaces and accessibility
- Ask about emergency procedures
- Review resident handbook and policies
- Get references from current families
- Verify licensing and inspection records
- Understand move-in and move-out policies
- Ask about future care level increases
Financial Planning Guide
- Calculate total monthly income sources
- Get detailed cost breakdown from facilities
- Review long-term care insurance policies
- Understand what services cost extra
- Plan for annual cost increases (typically 3-5%)
- Explore veteran benefits eligibility
- Consider Medicaid planning if needed
- Review life insurance policies for funding
- Calculate home sale proceeds if applicable
- Budget for personal expenses and activities
- Understand refund policies for entrance fees
- Plan for increased care costs over time
- Consult with financial advisor or attorney
- Get cost estimates from multiple facilities
- Factor in transportation and family visits
Legal Documents Checklist
- Power of Attorney (financial and healthcare)
- Advanced Directives/Living Will
- HIPAA Authorization forms
- Updated Will and Testament
- Social Security and Medicare cards
- Insurance policies and cards
- Birth certificate or passport
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Military discharge papers (if veteran)
- Property deeds and titles
- Financial account information
- Investment and retirement account details
- Contact list for family and friends
- Healthcare provider contact information
- Pharmacy and medication lists
Downsizing & Packing Guide
- Measure new living space dimensions
- Start sorting 3-6 months before move
- Take photos of sentimental items you can't keep
- Give family members first choice on items
- Donate gently used items to charity
- Hold an estate sale for valuable items
- Shred old financial and personal documents
- Transfer important documents to secure storage
- Pack one room at a time to avoid overwhelm
- Label boxes clearly with contents and room
- Pack essential items in a "first day" box
- Arrange for moving company experienced with seniors
- Consider professional organizer if needed
- Plan room setup before moving day
- Keep important documents with you during move
Home Transition Checklist
- Notify post office of address change
- Transfer utilities or cancel services
- Update address with banks and credit cards
- Notify Social Security and Medicare
- Update voter registration
- Transfer prescriptions to new pharmacy
- Update address with insurance companies
- Notify doctors and schedule new patient visits
- Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions
- Update address with investment companies
- Transfer church or organization memberships
- Arrange for home security system cancellation
- Schedule final utility readings
- Return borrowed items to friends/family
- Plan farewell gatherings with neighbors
First Month Success Plan
- Attend new resident orientation
- Meet your direct care coordinator
- Join at least one activity in week 1
- Eat meals in dining room to meet people
- Learn staff names and schedules
- Explore all common areas and amenities
- Establish daily routines that work for you
- Connect with other new residents
- Ask questions about policies and procedures
- Set up personal space to feel like home
- Schedule follow-up with family regularly
- Join resident council or committees
- Address any concerns promptly with staff
- Document positive experiences to remember
- Plan first family dinner in new space
Complete Timeline: From Decision to Move-In
Phase 1
Decision & Research (Weeks 1-4)
Have family discussions, identify needs, research local facilities online, and create a list of 5-7 potential communities to visit.
Phase 2
Tours & Evaluation (Weeks 5-8)
Schedule and complete facility tours, meet with administrators, gather pricing information, and narrow choices to top 2-3 facilities.
Phase 3
Decision & Application (Weeks 9-12)
Make final selection, complete application and health assessments, secure financing, and get on waiting list if necessary.
Phase 4
Preparation & Planning (Weeks 13-16)
Begin downsizing, gather required documents, plan room layout, arrange moving services, and handle address changes.
Phase 5
Move-In & Settlement (Weeks 17-20)
Complete move, attend orientation, establish routines, build relationships, and follow up on any concerns or adjustments needed.
💰 Average Cost Breakdown in Florida
$3,500-5,000
Basic Monthly Rent
$500-1,200
Care Services
$200-500
Meals & Dining
$100-300
Activities & Transport
$1,000-3,000
Community Fee
$4,300-7,000
Total Monthly Average
*Costs vary significantly by location, amenities, and level of care needed. These are estimates for the Port St. Lucie/Treasure Coast area.