What should I bring when moving a parent into assisted living?

Bring labeled comfortable clothing for at least one week, familiar photos in unbreakable frames, a favorite blanket or pillow, toiletries in original containers, the current medication list and pharmacy contact, copies of healthcare directive and POA, hearing aids/glasses/dentures with cases, a large-numbered wall clock, a bedside lamp, one or two small meaningful pieces of furniture if the room allows, and a written list of TV shows, music, and foods they love so staff can personalize care from day one.

What questions should I ask on an assisted living tour?

The most important question is about memory-care transition: ask for the documented criteria, who makes the call, and what specific incidents trigger reassessment — memory care typically costs $2,500–$6,000/month more. Other essentials: caregiver-to-resident ratio at 2am, annual staff turnover, last five years of rent increases, community fee refund policy, move-out notice (including after death), whether outside caregivers can supplement, last state inspection report, and three current families you can speak with.

Assisted Living Planning

Assisted Living Tour Checklist & What to Bring

Last Reviewed by Austin Adair · May 2026

Two lists every Southeast Michigan family should print before their first tour: 18 questions to ask any assisted living community, and a complete what to bring packing list for move-in day. No email gate, no PDF download required — just print this page.

Part 1 — The 18-Question Tour Checklist

Show me your documented memory-care transition criteria. Who makes the call, and what specific incidents trigger reassessment?
What is the all-in monthly cost at your highest level of care, including every add-on?
What were your rent increases over the last five years?
What is the community fee, and is it refundable in any circumstance?
What is the move-out notice period — including after death?
What is your caregiver-to-resident ratio at 2pm? At 2am?
What is your annual caregiver turnover rate?
How do you handle a resident who refuses a bath, refuses to take medication, or won't come out of their room?
Can I see the activity calendar for last month — not next month?
Can I eat a meal in the dining room before signing anything?
How often does a physician or nurse practitioner visit?
What happens during a power outage or weather emergency?
May I speak with three current families — not just your testimonials?
Show me your last state inspection report.
What happens if my parent's funds run out — do you accept Medicaid?
What is the exact process for medication errors, and how are families notified?
Can outside caregivers (private hire or an agency) supplement your staff in the unit?
How is laundry handled, and what happens when personal items go missing?

Part 2 — What to Bring on Move-In Day

Comfortable, easy-fastening clothing for one week (labeled with name)
Familiar photos in unbreakable frames
A favorite blanket or pillow
Toiletries in original containers (medication included)
Current medication list and pharmacy contact
Copy of healthcare directive, POA, and emergency contact list
Hearing aids, glasses, dentures and their cases
A wall clock with large numbers
A small lamp for the bedside
One or two meaningful but small pieces of furniture if room allows
A list of TV shows, music, and foods they love
Cell phone or simple landline phone they already know how to use

Pair this with the hidden costs of assisted living so you can compare brochure pricing to what you'll actually pay.

FAQ

Tour & Move-In — Common Questions

See the full packing list above. The single most-overlooked item: a written list of their favorite TV shows, music, and foods so staff can personalize care from the first day.

The full assisted living checklist is above. Lead with the memory-care transition criteria — that\'s the single highest-stakes question of the tour. See more in the home care vs. assisted living comparison.

Questions after a tour? 248-419-5010