Talk about the support that would help
Write down what has changed, which daily routines matter most, and what a good next chapter should make easier. Use those notes to start the assisted living or memory care conversation.
Compare assisted livingBear Creek family moving guide
Moving to assisted living: a family checklist
Planning a move to assisted living or memory care can feel like a dozen decisions at once. Use this Lakewood checklist to sort the next questions, prepare for move day, and support a calmer first week.
Where to start
Move one decision at a time
Start wherever your family needs to. These four steps cover the support that would help, apartment choices, move-day details, and the first days after arrival.
See what can fit
Review apartment layouts before sorting. Measurements and a short list of favorite furnishings can turn a broad downsizing project into a more practical room-by-room plan.
Review floor plansAsk about the move-in details
Bring your questions to Bear Creek about current availability, required forms, the move-in window, building access, and any apartment-specific guidelines.
Read common questionsPlan for the first week
Choose who will check in, keep key contacts easy to find, and note any questions that come up after arrival. A simple follow-up plan leaves room to settle in without losing track of details.
Contact Bear CreekThe family checklist
What to do, bring, and confirm
These questions and reminders can help your family prepare for a visit, move day, and the first week in a new home.
Before a visit
Make the decision easier to discuss
- Note the daily routines that are working well and the ones that feel harder.
- List the questions each family member wants answered.
- Decide which family members or trusted friends should be part of the conversation.
- Share any timing you are considering, even if a move date is not final.
Ask Bear Creek
Confirm what is specific to this move
- Which apartment options and move-in dates are currently available?
- Which costs or move-in fees should the family plan for, and how can changing support needs affect the total?
- Which forms, records, or identification should be ready, and by when?
- How should furniture, deliveries, and building access be coordinated?
- Are there apartment guidelines the family should know before packing?
Before move day
Keep essentials out of the boxes
- Label boxes by room and mark the items needed first.
- Set aside a first-day bag with clothing, comfort items, and chargers.
- Keep medications and personal documents secure and follow the instructions provided for bringing them.
- Confirm the arrival time and the best day-of contact with the community.
During the first week
Make room to settle in
- Keep family and community contact information in one easy-to-find place.
- Schedule a few simple check-ins instead of trying to solve everything on day one.
- Write down questions or small adjustments as they come up.
- Give familiar routines and favorite belongings time to help the new space feel settled.
Plan with real context
Make the move more concrete
CareMemory care at Bear CreekExplore the setting, support, and next questions for a memory care move.CompareAssisted living or memory care?See how the two care settings differ before you choose an apartment or plan a visit.PreviewPhoto galleryLook through apartments, shared spaces, and outdoor areas before a visit.Local guideSenior living in LakewoodCompare care and planning considerations with local context for families.
Turn the checklist into a visit plan
Bring your questions and tell us what timing and apartment features matter most. The Bear Creek team can help your family understand what to expect next.