Assisted Living Move-In Checklist
Moving a parent or loved one into an assisted living, memory care, or board and care community is a big day. There is paperwork to gather, belongings to pack, and a new place to make feel like home. A little preparation goes a long way toward a calm, confident move-in day.
Golden Pathways created this senior living move-in checklist to help families in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties know exactly what to bring, what to expect on arrival, and how to set up the room so your loved one feels settled from the very first night.
Bring These Documents
California senior care communities require specific paperwork before a resident can move in. Having everything ready avoids delays at the front desk.
- Signed Admission AgreementThe community's resident contract, signed by the resident or legal representative
- Physician's Orders / Medical ClearanceA current physician's report confirming your loved one is appropriate for the level of care
- Signed LIC 602A Form with TB Test ResultsThe state-required Physician's Report for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), including tuberculosis screening
- Medication ListEvery prescription, over-the-counter medication, and supplement, with dosage and schedule
- All Medications in Original Pharmacy BottlesSee the medication tip below
- Advance Directive / POLST FormYour loved one's documented health care wishes
- Power of Attorney PaperworkFinancial and/or health care POA documents, if applicable
- Insurance CardsMedicare, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance, and any supplemental plans
- Photo ID & Emergency ContactsA government-issued ID and a list of family contacts with phone numbers
Bring every medication in its original pharmacy-labeled bottle. The community representative must inventory each one on arrival. Do not pre-sort pills into daily organizers; the original labels are required for the community to administer medications correctly and comply with state regulations.
Pack the Essentials
Pack for comfort and familiarity, not for a long trip. Rooms in senior care communities are typically compact, so focus on the items that matter most.
- ClothingComfortable, easy-to-wear outfits for about a week to ten days (label every item with your loved one's name)
- Comfortable Shoes with Good GripNon-slip soles help reduce fall risk
- Toiletries & Personal Care ItemsFavorite soap, lotion, toothbrush, hairbrush, and other familiar products
- Electric Razor OnlyMost communities do not allow blade razors for safety reasons
- Photos of Family & Loved OnesFramed photos and albums make a new room feel like home
- Favorite Blanket or QuiltA familiar texture and scent is deeply comforting
- Visible Clock & Small LampAn easy-to-read clock supports orientation; a lamp provides soft, familiar lighting
- Religious or Spiritual ItemsA Bible, rosary, prayer book, or other meaningful items
- Music, Books, or Familiar ComfortsA radio, favorite CDs, puzzle books, or a beloved chair cushion
When You Arrive
Move-in day can feel hectic. This arrival checklist keeps the most important tasks front and center.
- Check in with the Admission RepresentativeThey will guide you through the intake process
- Hand all medications to the community representativeStaff will inventory and secure them
- Walk the communityLocate the dining room, activity areas, outdoor spaces, and nurse's station
- Confirm the meal and activity scheduleKnowing the daily routine helps your loved one settle in
- Get the Wi-Fi password and access codesFor the front door, gate, or elevator if applicable
- Ask about visiting hours and parkingSo family visits are easy from day one
- Get the direct staff contactThe phone number or extension for the care team on your loved one's floor or wing
- Introduce your loved one with personal detailsSee the tip below
When you introduce your loved one to the staff, share something personal: “This is my mom, Rosa. She loves gardening and opera, and takes her coffee with extra cream.” Details like these help caregivers connect with your loved one as a person, not just a new resident. Write a few of these details on a notecard and post it in the room where staff will see it.
Set Up the Room
A well-arranged room is safer, more comfortable, and more familiar. Take 20 to 30 minutes on move-in day to get it right.
- Clear pathwaysRemove tripping hazards and keep walkways open between the bed, bathroom, and door
- Photos by the bedPlace family photos where they can be seen from the pillow
- Favorite blanket or quilt on the bedSo the first night feels like home
- Clock in clear viewPosition it where it is visible from the bed and the chair
- Toiletries arranged in the bathroomIn the same order your loved one is used to at home
- Clothing organized in the closetLabeled and grouped by type so staff can help with dressing
- Post the family emergency contact in the roomA clearly visible card with names and phone numbers
Why Contact Golden Pathways Before Move-In Day
Move-in day is only one step in a much longer journey. Families who work with Golden Pathways get a Senior Care Advisor by their side from the first phone call through the transition and beyond, at no cost to the family.
Here is why families across Southern California call us first:
Our service is free.
Golden Pathways is paid by the senior care communities we partner with, so families never pay for our guidance.
We know the communities
We personally visit assisted living, memory care, and board and care homes across Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. We match your loved one with communities that fit their care needs, personality, and budget.
We help with the paperwork
From the LIC 602A physician's report to the admission agreement, we explain what each document is for and help you gather everything before move-in day.
We coordinate the move
We work with the community's admission team so there are no surprises at the front desk.
We answer your questions
Not sure what to pack? Unsure whether your loved one needs assisted living or memory care? Wondering how to handle a medication question? Call us. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your family.
We stay with you after the move
The first few weeks in a new community can bring up new questions. Your Golden Pathways advisor is still just a phone call away.
We're Here to Help
Finding the right care can feel overwhelming.
Let our experienced advisors guide you at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
We partner with trusted senior living communities to bring you the best options.
Disclaimer
The information on this page, including the move-in checklist, is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, medical, legal, or financial advice. Every individual and every senior care community is different, and document requirements, policies, and procedures may vary. Please consult a licensed physician, attorney, or other qualified professional regarding your specific situation, and confirm all requirements directly with the community your loved one will be moving into. Golden Pathways is a senior placement and referral service and does not provide medical or legal services.