Prepare for a senior living move before a place opens

A practical readiness checklist for families: confirm requirements, assign follow-ups and understand a facility’s waitlist process.

By Nana’s List. Updated September 25, 2026. 5 minute read.

Ask for the facility’s own admission checklist

Assisted living and nursing homes have different admission processes, and requirements vary by facility and state. Ask each shortlisted community for its current requirements, the person responsible for reviewing them and the expected turnaround. Joining a waitlist does not establish that someone has been accepted for admission.

Agree who will handle each next step

Choose a family contact with your loved one’s permission. Keep a private list of outstanding requests and the people responsible for them. Ask the facility which records must come directly from a clinician and how those records should be transferred securely. Do not put medical records, identification numbers or financial documents into public reviews.

Confirm again when an opening is offered

Ask what still needs review, when a decision is due and whether the available room and services match what you discussed. Obtain current written terms before making commitments. This checklist helps you organize questions; it does not determine medical suitability, benefits eligibility or admission approval.

Your checklist

Check off the questions you have covered. Checks stay on this page until you leave or reload it. Print a copy to keep them.

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Your readiness conversationAsk for the current admission checklist and the admissions contact’s details.Confirm who assesses care needs and when that assessment must be updated.Ask which clinical records are required and how the appropriate provider should send them.Confirm which consent and representative documents the facility needs.Request a written cost breakdown and confirm the payment arrangement for this stay.Clarify waitlist fees, refunds, notification methods and the deadline to accept an opening.Agree who in the family will follow up on each outstanding requirement.Confirm the room, services, remaining requirements and move-in date before accepting.