Relocation stress syndrome may occur in older adults following an abrupt change in living arrangement. It may develop following a traumatic event such as the sudden loss of a spouse or serious injury. However, the range of possible symptoms may escalate to a more serious disruption in one’s physical and mental health. In this case, it may meet the criteria for an acute stress disorder. An acute stress disorder is a diagnosable psychiatric disorder as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. This diagnosis includes the following criteria:
- exposure to a physically, sexually, or mentally traumatic event
- distressing and intrusive memories of the traumatic event afterward
- negative mood (loss of pleasure, unworthiness, undeserving)
- feelings of dissociation from and avoidance of the event
- feelings of hyperarousal, distractibility, and irritability
Relocation Stress Syndrome: Signs and Prevention
When a relocation to a senior living setting triggers adjustment difficulty but the signs are not as severe as an acute stress disorder, relocation stress syndrome may apply. Typically, the individual perceives the relocation stressful and distressing, but it is not perceived as a major traumatic event. Symptoms may be psychological, such as anger, depression, and loneliness. Or, they may be physical, such as vague aches and pains, or difficulty sleeping.
The following approaches are recommended to prevent or minimize relocation stress syndrome:
- discuss the move as far in advance as possible
- involve the person who is to be relocated in preferences and selection
- acknowledge the person’s possible resistance and disagreeable attitude and support these feelings
- recognize and validate possible feelings of loss that accompanies the move
- emphasize the upsides to the relocation, such as the increased opportunity for social engagement
It may not be possible to eliminate the risk of relocation stresses, but acknowledging the individual’s feelings and concerns, realistic or not, will go a long way to minimizing the psychological impact of the relocation.
This article is referenced in the new Living to 100 Club’s publication: Better, Longer & Happier: A Guide to Aging with Purpose and Positivity.