RELOCATION STRESS SYNDROME IN THE ELDERLY

​It might be hard to move to a new home. It's often a transition period, marked by the loss of familiarity and the separation from friends. Moving elderly parents puts them under much more strain. Moving them incorrectly can be traumatic and lead to relocation stress syndrome. 

​After a transfer to a senior living facility, anxiety, perplexity, loneliness, depression, nervousness, and even aggression are common symptoms of relocation stress syndrome (RSS).

Signs and Symptoms of RSS
Relocation stress syndrome is a psychological inability to adapt to the alterations that come with relocating. A person experiencing relocation stress may become irritable or aggressive in the days leading up to or following a move. Insomnia, a poor appetite, weight swings, drug-seeking behaviour, worry, alienation, and disorientation are all possible symptoms. Relocation stress syndrome can cause people to isolate or distance themselves, refuse to take treatments, or become unable to concentrate. You may have observed that several of these symptoms are similar to dementia symptoms, leading to a fatal mistake.
 
Planning a Smooth Transition to Assisted Living

Don’t Rush the Process
Unless you're in the midst of a crisis that needs a quick change, don't speed into it. Allow your family member time to adjust to the concept and make downsizing selections. Accelerating the process will add to the stress of the issue.
 
Encourage Loved Ones to Visit
One concern that a senior may not convey is the fear of being forgotten. Set up a visitor's schedule during the first few months to help ease this. Visiting will guarantee that the senior receives regular visitors and has something to anticipate.
 
Focus on Well-Being
​When you do not take the time to eat well and get a decent night's rest, stress can become even worse. That applies to both you and the senior. During this period, try eating good meals, workout, and get enough rest.

There will undoubtedly be happy and sad days, despite your great efforts.  The caregivers at Serenity Springs discuss this possibility in advance and agree to communicate freely with one another. Our professionals make the older adult settle in and ensure their participation in all of the happenings that assisted living facilities offer.