Relocating as a senior is tough, hence the coined term ‘relocation stress’ or trauma’! Moving is already a difficult task at the best of times, but what if the relocation isn’t voluntary? What if you’re moving your senior because their home is no longer safe? Maybe you’re moving your senior in the middle of a grieving period for a spouse?

Relocating is stressful, but it can be even more traumatic for the elderly, especially when they don’t want to move. While there are some studies that show that the actual move isn’t the traumatic aspect, but rather a weakened, physical state and a predisposition to depression; most studies show that relocating as a senior is detrimental to health and well-being. Seniors who are particularly vulnerable to relocation stress syndrome are women, those with low-physical abilities to cope with daily life, and those over the age of 85, according to a 2007 and 2008 study.    

What is Relocation Stress Syndrome?   

Relocation Stress Syndrome is recognized as a form of stress. Also known as transfer anxiety, or transfer trauma, it is experienced most often when the move is involuntary such as having to move unexpectedly into a long-term care facility.

Feelings of disorientation, confusion, and loneliness can be triggered when moving from a familiar environment to a new place. Signs of relocation stress syndrome can also be physical, like changes in eating habits, trouble sleeping, weight changes, and signs of injuries or falls. The emotional signs range from sadness and depression to paranoia, neediness, anger, and aggression. These symptoms are most strong and obvious during the first four months after arriving at the new home. Seniors often try to mask these symptoms, so a diligent eye by family members and caregivers is necessary after a move. It’s very important to check in with your senior member and ask how they are feeling about things.

Transitioning into a long-term care facility can wreak havoc on the senior’s sense of self. Going from living in their own home, to possibly sharing space, losing any form of control they had, and privacy can have a detrimental effect on one’s sense of well-being. A sense of self-worth can be degraded and increase stress overall.

Can we manage or avoid Relocation Stress Syndrome?

According to research, there are steps you can take to minimize or reduce the risk of relocation stress syndrome if you know the move is imminent. 

• Plan the move carefully and make preparations in advance to avoid unnecessary stress or complications
• Involve the senior in the decision-making from the start. Go see some potential new homes together, make them feel like they have a choice and that their input is important
• Let them be part of deciding what to bring to the new home.  There may be a sentimental attachment to something that other family members do not appreciate
• Keep family connection strong as this tends to support seniors’ ability to cope with the relocation
• Family members will also need to take breaks from relocation stress. Long-term care staff need to step in to help seniors cope with the move and form familiarity and attachment within the long-term care setting

• Listen to any concerns that they may have about the new space and make changes where possible
• The loss of control for seniors will be acutely felt typically in the first four months of the relocation. This would be the time to share control with the senior. Seniors still have control over their personal space. Offer choices or ask where they would like their personal belongings placed; provide food choices; include seniors in care planning wherever possible or appropriate; filling their closet with clothing they can choose from
• Continue long-term care welcome beyond four months. Continuing check-ins, and activities, emphasizing opportunities for meeting and making friends, and family visits can all help with relocation trauma

When the Syndrome subsides

Reaching that happy moment at the end of a long relocation journey is what everyone strives for. A content senior, a relieved family, and a knowledgeable and kind care staff are what we all want in the end. When it happens, it’s a time to celebrate that achievement. 

While there is no cookie-cutter approach to ensuring a stress-free move, the most important thing to remember is that the purpose of the move is to improve the care being provided to the senior. This should lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life. 

In many cases, a move into long-term care is preceded by a lengthy period of family caregivers getting burnt out from all the caregiving responsibilities that they have been taking solely on their shoulders.  If the long-term care residence is chosen carefully and the move goes well, this means that family members can spend more quality time with the senior rather than worrying about performing the care themselves.  Now that is a reason to celebrate!