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There might come a time when moving to a senior living community is the next step in life. If this transition scares you, you’re not alone. Sometimes, these fears and anxieties can cause relocation stress syndrome for older adults. Whether you experience mild or acute worries around this type of change, there are some things you can do to make yourself feel more comfortable in your new home. Let’s explore relocation stress syndrome and four tips to help you through this new chapter.

What is Relocation Stress Syndrome?

Relocation stress syndrome (RSS) in the elderly is the experience of anxiety, hopelessness, and loneliness due to moving, often from private residences to senior living facilities.

Moving at any point in your life is stressful. But, at older ages, relocation can be more difficult when you factor in stressors like medical needs, loss of spouses, friends, or siblings, and the trauma that might come from uprooting yourself from a home you may have lived in for decades. You may be more prone to RSS if you:

• Struggle with anxiety, depression, pain, or PTSD

• Experienced a traumatic event like the death of a loved one or a severe medical diagnosis

• Have dementia

• View moving as a stressful event

Specific signs can indicate RSS. These symptoms typically show during the initial stages of moving, as you settle in, and over time:

• Anger or apprehension

• Anxiety or depression

• Withdrawal

• Confusion 

• Loneliness

• Body aches

• Difficulty sleeping

Four Tips for Smoother Transition to Senior Living

If you experience stress and anxiety around moving, that’s perfectly normal. As a senior, it’s good to know about relocation stress syndrome to prepare for an easier transition. Here are our top tips for how you can make the most of relocating:

Advocate for Your Needs

Part of the anxiety around moving might come from giving up the home you’ve lived in for a long time and feeling like things are out of your control. When you move into independent living, write down your needs and ensure they are met. Review your prospective new home and its amenities to see if it has everything you desire and more so you can feel confident about your decision.

Acknowledge Your Fears and Validate Your Feelings

Sometimes you don’t want to admit that you’re scared. One of the most empowering things you can do at a time like this is to acknowledge that feeling emotional is okay. Your sentiments are well-founded whether you’re anxious, sad, confused, or lonely. Self-acknowledgment and validation of these feelings can make you feel more in control of your internal thoughts, which can help ease you into this transition.

Recreate Your Old Home

The unfamiliarity of a new living situation can make anyone feel unsettled. Try to make your new home just like your old one by rearranging the furniture, displaying valuable keepsakes, and sticking to a similar routine. Recreating these consistencies can help you feel more at ease.

Get Involved in Your New Community

One of the best remedies for RSS-related symptoms is surrounding yourself with people. In an independent living community, connecting with new faces is more accessible because everyone lives in the same vicinity. Once you open the door to conversation, this can lead to new adventures, like starting a hobby with your friends or looking forward to regular outings. 

Independent Living Made for Smooth Transitions

At The Waterford of Summerlea, our independent senior living community in Edmonton is designed to empower you. We know that moving can be difficult, so that’s why we offer many amenities and services to fulfill your unique needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support you in this new chapter!

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