Illustrative example only. This sample shows one way a family might organize transition work. It is not an offer, agreed scope, schedule, price, guarantee, or description of a specific family. Actual coverage, timing, responsibilities, provider availability, and compensation must be confirmed case by case and agreed in writing before engagement.
Phase 1: Gather the practical picture
Write down what is changing, the current and destination spaces if known, the general time frame, belongings that need a decision, and any access requirements. Identify the older adult’s preferences and who is authorized to approve household choices. Care needs, placement, and medical instructions remain with qualified care professionals and authorized decision-makers.
Separate confirmed facts from questions that still need an answer. Examples might include whether a destination has confirmed its move-in requirements, which provider can accept selected items, or who may authorize access. Do not treat an open question as a commitment.
Phase 2: Agree on priorities and scope
Separate essential move tasks from decisions that may wait. Decide which work is requested and which services are out of scope. A written agreement should state direct tasks, coordination responsibilities, family responsibilities, communication checkpoints, compensation, and any known charges for outside providers. Any referral or real-estate compensation connected with the engagement should be disclosed before commitment.
Identify who may approve household decisions, who receives updates, and what should happen if a new task is proposed. A move plan does not automatically include a cleanout, sale, or follow-up visit.
Phase 3: Confirm providers and handoffs
If independent movers, donation organizations, removal providers, or real-estate professionals are needed, confirm their availability, services, terms, accepted items, and charges directly. The family may choose its own providers and agent. Do not treat an introduction as a booking. Verify municipal collection rules and eligibility before relying on a city service.
Before any item leaves, confirm that the older adult or authorized decision-maker has approved its route. Keep items awaiting review apart from those selected for a provider. Each outside provider remains responsible for its own service and agreement.
Phase 4: Coordinate agreed tasks
Use the written scope to track what is complete, what needs approval, and which provider or family member has the next action. Protect items awaiting review. Share updates only with people authorized to receive them. If the plan changes, discuss the change before adding tasks or making new provider commitments.
A checkpoint can review completed work, pending decisions, access needs, and the next agreed action. The sample does not specify how often a checkpoint occurs; the actual update method and timing should be written into the scope.
Phase 5: Settle in and review open items
After a move, compare the remaining practical tasks with the agreed scope. Note essentials to unpack, belongings still awaiting decisions, provider handoffs, and any home-related work that remains. Follow-up is included only when the written scope says it is. Discuss any additional tasks and compensation before assuming they are covered.
Keep care-related instructions and medical decisions with qualified care professionals. The family can review what is complete without treating the illustrative phases as guaranteed dates or outcomes.
Illustrative responsibility table
| Task area | Possible responsible party | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Household choices | Older adult or authorized decision-maker | Consent, authority, and which belongings need approval |
| Move planning and checkpoints | DFW Senior Transition, if included in the agreed scope | Direct work, coordination limits, update method, and schedule |
| Moving, removal, donation, or disposal | Independent provider selected by the family | Provider availability, accepted items, service terms, and charges |
| Care needs and medical instructions | Qualified care professionals and authorized decision-makers | Care-related decisions and handoff procedures |
| Home sale or transaction | Real-estate professional selected by the family | Listing and transaction work, fees, and any disclosed compensation |
| Family updates and access | People named in the written scope | Authorized recipients, keys, contact roles, and escalation path |
Use this sample carefully
This example does not set dates, costs, outcomes, or a standard fee model. Scope and responsibilities are confirmed before work. For process details, read How It Works; use the Transition Checklist to organize questions and review Fees & How We Are Paid. For a location or scope inquiry, visit Contact. Do not include sensitive medical information.