Tell us the situation. Get the plan.

Phase 1

• Meet the hospital case manager

  Ask for the discharge plan in writing, any home health orders, and whether rehab is recommended. Ask when discharge is expected so it doesn't come as a surprise.

  Free

• Ask about short-term rehab coverage

  Ask whether the stay was "inpatient" or "observation." It changes what Medicare pays for skilled nursing rehab afterward.

  Medicare Care Compare

  Free

• Get temporary equipment

  Walker, shower chair, raised toilet seat. Some are covered with a prescription, so ask before you buy.

  $50–$300

• Cover the first week of help

  A family rotation or a home care aide while you work out the longer plan.

  Harris County Area Agency on Aging

  $25–$35/hr

• Bring your parent into the conversation

  Plans made without the person who's moving tend to fall apart. Lead with what they want to keep, and let them set the pace where you can.

  Free

Phase 2

• Hold a family meeting

  Include your parent. Their preferences come first. Agree on who makes which decisions and who handles money.

  Free

• Sign powers of attorney and a HIPAA release

  Durable and medical powers of attorney let you talk to doctors and banks for them. Free help is available if income is limited.

  Lone Star Legal AidTexasLawHelp.orgHouston Bar Association Lawyer Referral

  Up to $2,000

• Check benefits and eligibility

  Medicaid waivers, caregiver support and in-home services can change which option is affordable.

  Harris County Area Agency on AgingAging & Disability Resource Center

  Free

• Choose whether to sell first or move first

  Selling first frees up cash but can mean two moves. Moving first means carrying two housing costs for a while. Price both before you commit.

  Free

• Tour at least three communities

  Ask about the one-time community fee, what care costs extra, and how much rent goes up each year.

  Medicare Care CompareLong-term Care Ombudsman

  $4,000–$6,500/mo

• Pay the community fee

  A one-time charge most assisted living communities add at move-in.

  $1,000–$5,000

• Name a local point person

  A neighbor, church member or paid move manager who can be there when you can't.

  Free

• Plan your trips in

  Most families need two or three trips: planning, move week and the house sale.

  $300–$1,200

Phase 3

• Measure the new space

  A floor plan decides what furniture fits. Many communities will send one.

  Free

• Sort into keep, family, sell and donate

  Start with the rooms that matter least. Photograph meaningful items before they go.

  Free

• Hire a senior move manager (optional)

  Handles sorting, packing and setting up the new place. Most useful when you're out of town or short on time.

  Senior move manager directory

  $2,000–$9,000

• Book an estate sale or consignment

  No upfront cost. Companies usually keep a share of what sells.

  25–40% of sales

• Haul away what's left

  Priced by the truckload. Ask about donation pickups to lower the bill.

  $150–$800

Phase 4

• Book a licensed mover

  Ask for the mover's TxDMV registration number and check it before you pay a deposit.

  TxDMV mover lookup

  $800–$3,000

• Set up the new room first

  Bed made, medications and familiar photos in place before arrival.

  Free

• Change address, pharmacy and doctors

  USPS forwarding, pharmacy transfer, and address updates for Social Security and Medicare.

  Free

Phase 5

• Deep clean and minor repairs

  Fix what an inspector would flag first.

  $750–$5,000

• List with a realtor

  Commission is negotiable. Ask about selling as-is if repairs are large. Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) focus on moves like this.

  5–6% of sale

• Keep the basics paid until it sells

  Mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities keep running. Tell the insurer the house is empty, since many policies change after 30 to 60 days of vacancy.

  Free