Preparing to Move a Loved One to an Assisted Living Facility

Michele Ungvarsky
Elder Law, Estate Planning

Written By:

Michele Ungvarsky

Michele has an intimate knowledge of how a severe illness with no planning can decimate an estate. Her father developed early dementia, and her parents moved in with her. As her father’s condition worsened, she experienced firsthand the struggle and watched as the medical costs stripped her parent’s retirement accounts. Like many families, they had no idea where to turn, and they fumbled their way through the system. That is the reason she is so passionate about “Planning it Forward.” She wants to make sure other families have plans in place and receive help when a crisis does strike. In the words of Sugar Ray Leonard – “Success is attaining your dream while helping others to benefit from that dream materializing.”

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Transitioning a loved one to an assisted living facility requires careful planning, open communication and a focus on their emotional and physical well-being.

Moving a parent or elderly relative into an assisted living facility is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While it’s a step toward safety and support, it often comes with emotional and logistical challenges. At E-Law, we understand how stressful this transition can be—and we’re here to guide families in Las Cruces through every stage of the journey.

Understanding the Need for Elder Care in Las Cruces

Determining when it’s time for assisted living can be difficult. Common signs include:

Struggling with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, or managing medications.
Signs of memory loss or confusion.
Feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Family caregivers often do their best to provide support, but the demands can quickly become overwhelming. That’s when professional elder care in Las Cruces becomes a vital option.

Getting an evaluation from a doctor or elder care professional can help clarify whether assisted living—or another type of care—is the right solution.

Choosing the Right Assisted Living Facility

When choosing an assisted living community, key factors to consider include:

The level of medical and personal care provided.
Activities and opportunities for social engagement.
Cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere of the facility.

Tour multiple locations, ask about staff qualifications, and involve your loved one in the decision when possible. You may want to work with an elder care professional to review contracts and understanding your loved one’s rights as a resident of the facility.

Preparing for the Move

Once you’ve selected a facility, the next step is preparing for the transition. This includes:

Downsizing: Helping your loved one choose items that provide comfort and familiarity.
Financial planning: Understanding costs and payment structures.
Legal preparation: Making sure estate planning documents are updated—especially powers of attorney and health directives.

As a local elder law firm in Las Cruces, E-Law helps families get their legal affairs in order to ensure a smooth transition into elder care. Read more in our article, Must I Sell My Parent’s Home if They Move to a Nursing Facility?

Addressing the Emotional Side of the Move

Moving to assisted living is not just a physical shift—it’s also an emotional adjustment. Seniors may feel fear, grief, or anxiety about losing their independence. Family support is key. Some helpful steps include:

Honest conversations about the reasons for the move.
Encouraging participation in social activities.
Frequent visits and calls from loved ones.
Watching for signs of depression or loneliness.

E-Law can also connect families with local resources for emotional and mental health support during this time.

Work with a Las Cruces Elder Law Attorney

Preparing for assisted living doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal guidance, your family can navigate this process confidently. At E-Law, we help New Mexico families with:

Let E-Law Help You Plan the Next Step

If you’re getting ready to move a loved one into an assisted living facility, don’t do it alone. Request a discovery call with E-Law today. We’ll walk you through your options and create a plan that supports your loved one’s dignity, safety, and well-being.

Key Takeaways

Recognizing the right time for assisted living is crucial: Declining health, safety concerns, or caregiver burnout often signal that a move is necessary.
Choosing the best facility requires thorough research: Evaluating medical care, social opportunities and staff quality helps ensure a good fit.
Preparing for the move involves emotional and logistical planning: Downsizing, handling financial matters and bringing familiar belongings can help ease the transition.
Emotional support is essential for a successful adjustment: Open discussions, family involvement and participation in activities help seniors feel comfortable in their new environment.
Legal and financial preparation prevents complications: Reviewing contracts, arranging for medical care and ensuring that estate plans are in order safeguard the transition.

Reference: Elder Law Answers (March 6th, 2025) “Before You Move Your Parents to an Assisted Living Facility”