What You Need Before Moving a Loved One Into Assisted Living or Memory Care
- Cheryl Harris
- Sep 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Making the decision to move a loved one into assisted living or memory care is never easy.
Once that decision is made, many families are surprised to find that there are important requirements to have in place before the move can happen. Without these, the transition can be delayed—or even derailed.
In this video, I’m sharing some of the most important steps you need to take to make the process smoother.
1. Secure Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
The single most important step you can take is to make sure you have Durable Power of Attorney (POA) for both medical and financial decisions.
Here’s why:
Legal protection. Without POA, you cannot legally move someone into a community against their will.
Planning ahead. Even if your loved one is currently able to sign their own documents, circumstances can change quickly. Having POA in place ensures a family member can step in when needed.
Memory care requirements. No one can be moved into a memory care community without an activated POA. This means:
Two doctors must sign off stating that the individual is no longer competent to make their own decisions.
The durable POA then takes effect, allowing you to move your loved one into the appropriate care setting.
Without POA, families often face a long, stressful legal process to establish guardianship. I’ve seen this happen firsthand—it can force families into very difficult situations.
Tip: Work with an elder law attorney to draft your POA documents. Online templates may be available, but an attorney can ensure everything is done properly. I can give you a recommendations or make an introduction in Southwest Michigan.
2. Complete Medical Requirements
Communities must follow state guidelines, and in Michigan that includes:
A recent doctor’s visit. Your loved one must have seen a physician within the last 12 months.
A TB test. This is required for admission into assisted living or memory care.
Skipping these steps can delay a move. I’ve seen families who thought everything was ready, only to be told they needed to schedule last-minute appointments and tests.
3. Prepare Documentation and Financial Information
When moving into a community, you’ll also be asked to provide:
A copy of your loved one’s Medicare card
A valid ID
Completed community application forms
A financial disclosure form (for private-pay communities)
Most communities want to know that residents have the assets to afford at least two to three years of care. Medicaid waiver programs have different requirements, which I’ll cover in another post.
More Than Packing a Bag
Preparing to move a loved one into assisted living or memory care takes more than packing a bag. The most important steps are securing Durable Power of Attorney, completing the required medical visit and TB test, and gathering all documentation and financial forms in advance.
With these pieces in place, the transition can be far smoother for both your loved one and your family. If you’d like guidance through the process, I’m just a call, text, or email away.
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