If your loved one can not make decisions and you are legally able to - Talk to the facility you prefer first. Get in an application, all necessary paperwork, etc. and be prepared to wait. Most places have a waiting list. In the meantime, talk with your loved one about the benefits of the new place.
If your loved on is able to make his/her own decisions - Get information about the new place into his/her hands. Help fill out application, all necessary paperwork, etc. WHEN AND IF she/he is willing to make the move. If he/she does not want to move, you need to abide by their wishes.
The facility that is closer to home will need to have an opening/bed. If she is in a memory care unit, make sure that she gets transferred to one that has that. Her current facility administration people can handle the transfer and you will need to sign paperwork at both places. I would recommend taking a tour on the weekend at the new facility-most places have a short staff on weekends. Look for cleanliness, age of building structure, hours the doors are open, if they have a front desk person 24/7, tv, internet and phone availability, what medical procedures they can do-example-IV fluids, how often does the doctor come, food menu, activities, etc. I would recommend doing her laundry so that her clothes do not get stolen-a big problem at most facilities. I would also look up their ratings. Not all are the same. Good luck with everything. I hope that your Mom will be happy and well cared for.
Ask her what she likes about the facility she's in and try to find one with similar characteristics. If she doesn't want to move, try to find out why. She may have made friends among the other residents and staff. She'd have to start all over again in a new facility. Tell her you and your spouse will be able to visit her more often if she is in a facility closer to you. Be sure her paperwork is in order before the move so that there is a POA able to speak on her behalf to change her address with social security and medicare, set up new bank accounts, if needed, etc.
The facility can arrange transport to the new facility. The new facility can arrange transport from the old facility to the new one. So either can do this. Make sure there is a bed available at the new facility. If the distance is not great and if MIL does not need a lot of help you could transport her yourself. If she needs more help than you can give or if there are medical needs then a Medical Transport might be necessary.
Talk to the facility you prefer first. Get in an application, all necessary paperwork, etc. and be prepared to wait. Most places have a waiting list. In the meantime, talk with your loved one about the benefits of the new place.
If your loved on is able to make his/her own decisions -
Get information about the new place into his/her hands. Help fill out application, all necessary paperwork, etc. WHEN AND IF she/he is willing to make the move. If he/she does not want to move, you need to abide by their wishes.
The new facility can arrange transport from the old facility to the new one.
So either can do this.
Make sure there is a bed available at the new facility.
If the distance is not great and if MIL does not need a lot of help you could transport her yourself.
If she needs more help than you can give or if there are medical needs then a Medical Transport might be necessary.