Moving to a CCRC: A Comprehensive Guide for Seniors & Families

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) provides housing and services for seniors from independent living through nursing home care. When the CCRC and the senior reach a residency agreement, they agree upon a move-in date. Moving in requires preparation and planning, such as choosing furniture and personal items based on the apartment's floor plan. Family support is needed to assist with downsizing, because the CCRC apartment is generally smaller than the current living situation.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Graph paper
• Moving boxes
• Packing tape
• Newspaper

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Instructions

Planning the Move

• 1

  Include electric and cable outlets on the floor plan.

  Review the apartment floor plan. Most CCRCs are able to provide a copy of the floor plan, including the square footage. If one is not available, make one using a tape measure, pencil and paper.

• 2

  Microwaves are often included with the CCRC apartment.

  Determine what appliances, if any, are standard in the apartment.

• 3

  Wrap breakable items in newspaper if they are being moved.

  Sort through personal items. Donate or dispose of items which will not be moved.

• 4

  Measure the furniture with a tape measure.

  Measure the furniture to determine which pieces will fit in the CCRC apartment. From those items, choose the pieces needed or wanted for the apartment. Draw an outline of each piece of furniture on the floor plan using a pencil.

• 5

  Items being moved can also be marked with masking or painter's tape.

  Make a list so the people helping know exactly what is being moved.

• 6

  Vans or pick-up trucks work well for moving furniture.

  Determine whose vehicle(s) will be used for the move.

Moving Day

• 7

  Being involved in the move is important for most people.

  Determine how involved the person who is moving wants or is able to participate in the move. If the person wants to be involved but has physical limitations, make opportunities for him to assist with certain tasks.

• 8

  Sign in on the visitor log if one is available.

  Arrive at the CCRC and check in at the front desk.

• 9

  Most people have a "favorite chair" that they want moved.

  Post the floor plan with furniture outlines near the apartment's entry way. This will help others know where to place the furniture.

• 10

  Hanging pictures makes the apartment feel more like home.

  Ask the person moving in where to hang the photographs or pictures and where to put the other items away.

• 11

  Ensure that important or frequently used items are within easy reach.

  Walk through the apartment after everything has been moved in. Show the person where things have been put away.