Senior adults often have to change their living situation in order to accommodate their current and evolving needs. However, disrupting the life of senior citizens by removing them from their familiar environments can result in damaging stress known as “transfer trauma.” This significant life change, especially for older adults with dementia, can be triggering and cause adverse reactions. When a move becomes necessary, there are proactive steps their families can take to minimize the effects of transfer trauma and create a more positive experience for the senior.
What Is Transfer Trauma?
Experts in transfer trauma – also known as relocation stress syndrome – report that the condition includes a collective of symptoms that occur in a senior after they have changed their residence. The emotional, behavioral, and physiological symptoms that are associated with transfer trauma may include:
- Sadness
- Anger and irritability
- Combativeness, complaining, or screaming
- Depression, isolation, or withdrawal
- Increased anxiety
- Confusion and wandering
- Rejecting care
- Poor appetite or weight loss/gain
- Indigestion, nausea, or sudden onset of irritable bowel syndrome
Senior adults experiencing transfer trauma will often complain about their situation and repeatedly ask to return home. They may question who moved them, why they needed to move, and demand to be taken back to their home. The symptoms are more pronounced when the move has been unexpected or unwanted.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Relocation Stress Syndrome?
Any senior adult, especially the elderly, can suffer transfer trauma when moving. Transfer trauma is rooted in the loss of control and personal decision-making freedom, which results in anger and fear. However, the potential for risk increases for those with dementia or cognitive impairment because they have a more difficult time processing new information and are not capable of proactively making their own decisions. Senior citizens who do not have mental health challenges but have serious physical issues are also at risk.
Relocation stress syndrome most often happens to people in the weeks leading up to a move and within the first three months after a move. It’s essential to remember that trauma can be combined with dementia symptoms, so you should be aware of any changes in diet, sleep habits, cognitive ability, and self-care/hygiene. If you are worried that a family member is struggling with transfer trauma, the first thing to do is to acknowledge their feelings and listen to them. Additionally, avoid moving them again during this time if at all possible, as it will only aggravate any existing trauma.
How to Prevent Transfer Trauma
Although the move itself may be necessary and unavoidable, there are steps you can take to ease your loved one’s mind.
- Prepare the new residence for transfer trauma, and work with them to establish a protocol that can be monitored.
- Involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible, and take them for a tour of the new residence before the move.
- Review the social calendar and amenities of the new residence and identify those activities that your loved one would enjoy. Accompany them for the first few times.
- Make the new community feel like home by hanging family photos and bringing comfort items from their last home, such as blankets and pillows.
- Add a diffuser to infuse favorite aromas and play their favorite music.
- Be sure to visit frequently and provide them with a calendar that clearly indicates your next visit.
- By recognizing and preparing for transfer trauma symptoms, you can help your senior family member remain secure and loved during their move.
My Care Finders is a professional service that matches
