Moving to a Retirement Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
From first conversations to the first month after move-in — what to do, when to do it, and what to expect along the way.
Research and explore
Have the conversation
The first conversation is often the hardest. Start early, when there is no crisis. Frame it around your parent's goals and preferences, not a list of problems. Ask what matters most to them — independence, location, being near family, a particular community.
Understand what care is actually needed
Make an honest assessment of current and near-future needs. Is your parent managing medications independently? Are they eating well? Are they at risk of falls? This determines whether a retirement home, long-term care, or home care is the right fit. Our care level guide can help.
Start researching options
Browse the Dignified.ca directory to identify licensed retirement homes in the desired area. Make a shortlist of 4–6 to visit. Look at licensing status, care services offered, and whether the home has a memory care unit if needed.
Understand the finances
Get a clear picture of what your parent can afford monthly. Factor in pension, CPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF income, and any investments. Use the cost estimator to set a realistic budget range. If long-term care may be needed eventually, contact HCCSS to begin that process — wait times are long.
Visit, choose, and apply
Tour your shortlisted homes
Visit in person. Use the touring checklist to ask consistent questions across homes. Visit at mealtime if possible — the dining room is a reliable indicator of a home's culture. Note how staff interact with residents.
Involve your parent
If at all possible, bring your parent on the visit. This is their home — their comfort with the space and community matters enormously for a successful transition. Their preferences should drive the decision.
Review the resident agreement carefully
The resident agreement is a legal contract. Read it fully before signing. Key things to understand: what is included in the monthly fee, what triggers extra charges, the rate increase clause, the notice period for leaving, and the circumstances under which the home can ask a resident to leave.
Handle legal and financial paperwork
Ensure a Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care are in place. If they are not, this should happen before the move. A notary or lawyer can prepare them. Also update beneficiary designations and locate key documents: SIN card, health card, insurance policies, will.
Prepare for the move
Decide what comes along
Retirement home suites are typically furnished minimally. Decide together what personal items, furniture, and mementos will make the space feel like home. Familiar objects are especially important for residents with dementia. Most homes allow a bed, a few pieces of furniture, and personal belongings.
Handle the current home
If your parent owns their home: engage a real estate lawyer and, when ready, a real estate agent. If renting: review the lease and provide notice per the Residential Tenancies Act — typically 60 days. Arrange for movers, donation pickups, or estate sale if needed.
Notify relevant parties
Update the address with: Service Canada (CPP, OAS), CRA, bank, insurance providers, doctors, dentist, and any subscriptions or services. Arrange for mail forwarding through Canada Post.
Coordinate with the home
Confirm the move-in date, what time access is available, where to park, and what orientation is provided on day one. Bring the health card, medication list, and any required medical documentation.
The day itself
Keep it calm and positive
Move-in day is emotional — for your parent and for you. Try to keep the atmosphere light. Focus on setting up the space to feel familiar and personal. Bring photos, a favourite blanket, or other comforting objects.
Meet the key staff
Ask to be introduced to the director of care, the charge nurse on duty, and your parent's primary PSW. Get their names, direct numbers, and the best way to reach them. Establish the relationship early.
Avoid a prolonged goodbye
A longer goodbye does not make it easier — for most residents, it makes the adjustment harder. Say goodbye clearly and warmly, then leave. Staff are experienced with transitions and know how to support new residents.
Settling in
Expect an adjustment period
Most residents take 2–6 weeks to feel truly comfortable. Disorientation, sadness, and reluctance to join activities are normal in the first weeks. This does not mean the choice was wrong. Stay in close contact with staff during this period.
Visit regularly, but not constantly
Frequent short visits in the first month help your parent feel connected without becoming dependent on your presence for their social engagement. Encourage them to try meals in the dining room and at least one activity.
Attend the care conference
Most homes hold a care conference 30–60 days after move-in to review the resident's care plan with family. Come prepared with questions. This is also the right time to raise any concerns about the transition.
Trust the process
The decision to move a parent into a retirement home is one of the most emotionally complex things a family does. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel. And know that for most residents, having the right support around them — meals, company, care — leads to a quality of life that wasn't possible alone.