Any move into a new location can be stressful, and this is especially so for seniors and older people who are moving into a senior care community. This is a big change for anyone, and caregivers and family members alike will want to be mindful of a condition known as relocation stress syndrome if they’re assisting with this process.
At Cozy Retire, we’re proud to offer the very best senior living community in Utah, one where we help our guests ease any stress associated with their transition into our community in several ways. What are some tips on how to spot the signs of relocation stress syndrome in seniors, and how else can you prevent these risks? Here’s a primer.
Basics and Signs of Relocation Stress
Relocation stress syndrome refers to a psychological effect where individuals are at risk to develop symptoms similar to the feelings associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. This is caused by a variety of factors, including physical or psychological distress in addition to change in environment, loss of independence and disconnection from community resources.
Those suffering from relocation stress syndrome may begin to withdraw from social activities and family members, developing a sense of apathy or detachment from thinking about everyday life. Emotional distress can be experienced in the form of depression, anxiety or feelings of guilt when their attempts to adjust fail.
Relocation stress can be heightened for seniors who deal with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as they may become unreceptive to change and simply want to return “home.” This can be extra challenging for their family caregivers, who must understand the possible cues that signal the need for more support.
Even if your loved one is coping with dementia or Alzheimer’s but still has good mental capabilities, it helps to be prepared in case this syndrome takes place.
Prevention and Management of Relocation Stress
Here are some basic tasks to help prevent relocation stress:
Keep your senior loved one informed in any big changes in the family, community or in their own life.
Ease seniors into change with a gradual adjustment to new living arrangements.
Allow your loved one time to meet other people in the senior community you’ve chosen so they can develop friendships and support systems for themselves.
Make it easy for them to keep up old routines by maintaining familiar surroundings and using their personal belongings.
Even for those who suffer from them, the symptoms of relocation stress tend to subside within about 3-6 months. As a caregiver, do not rush to move them to a new community or make any other large changes, as these will only exacerbate the stress in most cases.
For more on managing and preventing senior relocation stress syndrome, or to learn about our senior living community, speak to the staff at Cozy Retire today.
Chronic physical health conditions. Trauma from prior abuse or neglect at another assisted living facility. History of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, etc. Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Self-packing can be cost-effective, but it's crucial to do it right. A prevalent error is overloading boxes. Remember, if it's too heavy for you, it'll be challenging for your movers. Distribute weighty items like books across smaller containers for easy lifting.
Uprooting an older adult from their home — where they might have lived for 40 or 50 years — will severely disrupt their routines, rituals, and surroundings. This can lead to a condition known as relocation stress syndrome, or transfer trauma.
Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it can present unique challenges for older adults. As a loved one ages, they may find it harder to navigate the physical and emotional aspects of moving, which makes the transition more difficult.
Creating a positive atmosphere can help alleviate stress and make the process more enjoyable. Take breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. Moving can be physically and mentally demanding, so it's important to listen to your body and give yourself time to rest.
“Moving to a new place and everything becomes harder. You don't know your way around, everything in your house is in a different place,” Warnick says. “And all the things that used to be automatic – how to get to the grocery store, and things like that – take more time and thought.”
Those who relocate initially experience two varieties of stress: operational stress, resulting from the new job and setting-up activities in the new community, and emotional stress resulting from family-related activities.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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