Relocating to a new place or environment can be rewarding. It ensures that you get to experience new surroundings and make new friends in the process. But for some, moving to a new place or environment can be very stressful, and this rings true for those who are in their golden years. Relocation stress is a real issue, especially for those who are aging. It can affect your behavior and mood. If you or your loved one are moving, this can lead to severe trauma and illnesses.
For those who are suffering from memory loss-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, the process of relocating can affect their mental health greatly. That is why you have to take note and educate yourself on the potential dangers of relocating. Planning is very important, and a good plan can be the difference between a wonderful experience and a bad one.
What are the Symptoms of Relocation Stress?
The first thing that you have to understand is what is relocation stress. It is a syndrome that will contribute to any behavioral changes or mood swings that you or your loved one might have. This happens when a person moves or relocates to a new environment. Any person can experience relocation stress, but it is more profound in those who are aging and those suffering from memory loss, and due to memory loss, this can greatly affect your ability to cope with relocation stress. Below are just some of the symptoms that you or your loved one can develop due to relocation stress.
- Change in mood: You or your loved one may develop anxiety, anger, and even depression. These mood swings can have a negative effect on one’s mental health.
- Physiological effect: You or your loved one may experience rapid and painful heartbeat due to stress, and loss of sleep. Weight gain and weight loss can also occur as you cope with your appetite issues, and in some cases, constant smoking and drinking can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.
- Change in behavior: You or your loved one may also develop aggressive behavior such as screaming and complaining. Sometimes you may also experience social withdrawal, being too emotional, and refusing to take medication.
These symptoms do not happen immediately after the relocation as they can already be happening even before the big move. Fear and anticipation can cause you or your loved one to experience these symptoms.
How to Prevent Relocation Stress from Happening?
Sadly, there is no known cure when it comes to relocation stress but there are certain steps that you or your loved one can do to ensure the best possible solution to counter relocation stress. You should consider the most comfortable way to avoid developing relocation stress.
- Adjust in advance: By visiting and spending a few hours in your new community or environment beforehand, you or your loved one can feel much more confident about the move. Try going a few times, and if possible, visit your new neighbors and make new friends. This way, it can help you settle faster as you will be surrounded by familiar faces.
- Be involved in the planning: Be involved as much as possible. Relocation stress can occur when you are prevented from making decisions so planning with your loved ones is important. Making a family decision together will help your loved one feel valued and will reduce fear and anxiety. Listen to their concerns and value their opinions.
- Get help from a social worker: There are dedicated social workers that you or your loved one can ask for help. Moving is always stressful, but with a social worker’s help, they can plan and ensure a seamless transition into your new life.
Avoid Relocation Stress at TerraBella Summerville
If you or your loved one are looking for a community that focuses on memory care, then we at TerraBella Summerville fit the bill. We have many memory care programs that you can take advantage of. Our team members will ensure that you or your loved one get the best care in our amazing community. Feel free to approach us and we will assist you to the best of our abilities.
