Moving a Parent to Senior Living: Downsizing Help

The professional association for move managers who help older adults sort, downsize, pack, sell or donate belongings, and set up the new home. Its directory lists member move managers by location.

When to use it: When a parent must move into assisted living or a smaller home and the house full of belongings feels impossible to handle.

Move managers charge fees, so get a written estimate and check references before hiring.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ET

A free government explainer on board and care homes, assisted living, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities, including how each is usually paid for and tips for easing the move, like getting to know staff early.

When to use it: When you are figuring out which type of place fits your parent's needs and how to make the move go smoothly.

Forward a parent's mail to their new address for 12 months, extendable up to 30 months. Online requests cost a $1.25 identity check; filing in person at a Post Office with photo ID is free.

When to use it: As soon as you know a parent's move date, so checks, bills and benefit letters are not lost.

Only use the official USPS site; lookalike sites charge much higher fees.

Update a parent's address with Social Security online through my Social Security or by phone. Social Security also handles address changes for Medicare (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

When to use it: Right after a move, so Social Security and Medicare notices reach your parent.

Online address changes only work for people already getting benefits.

Mon-Fri 8am-7pm local time

Medicare gets its address information from Social Security, so update the address there. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, open 24/7 (TTY 1-877-486-2048), with questions about how a move affects Medicare coverage or plans.

When to use it: When a parent moves, especially to another county or state, and you need to check whether their Medicare plan still works there.

Moving out of a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan's service area can end that coverage, so ask about plan options before or right after the move.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays