Reduce Moving Anxiety by Creating a Smooth Transition

You’ve finally come to the agreement with your loved one that moving to a personal care community, like Heather Glen Senior Living, is the best option for them. While living their best life in Lehigh Valley’s premier community will give you peace of mind, your loved one might be feeling a bit of anxiety about their impending move. 

Moving at any age can be stressful, but it can be especially emotional and difficult for seniors—and it can often result in a phenomenon called relocation stress syndrome (RSS). The symptoms of RSS include anxiety, confusion, loneliness, depression, and other mood shifts both leading up to or after moving into a new community. 

However, caregivers and family members can help seniors manage this stress or avoid it altogether by creating a smooth transition between their current living situation and their future one. See the five commonly-used tips for mitigating RSS and giving your loved one a sense of control during this new phase of their life. 

Empower

Unless your loved one is struggling with dementia or another illness that prevents them from participating, it’s important to include them in as many steps of the process as possible. Aside from deciding on the best community for them, let them take ownership of other details. If there are multiple layout options in their community, let them pick their favorite. If they love to decorate, let your loved one choose the accent pieces they’ll bring to their new space—whether it’s from their current home or a new purchase. However, if they seem overwhelmed by any of the decisions, make sure you step in and take over. 

Respect

Approach the process carefully. While something might not seem like a big deal to you, you have to understand how life-altering the move into a personal care home can be for some people, even if it’s what’s best for them. 

Continuity 

Many older adults are set in a certain routine, and breaking that routine can cause added stress or anxiety. Ensure that they’re able to continue certain routines after the move while adding enriching activities to their schedule as well. 

Another way continuity can help with the transition is by making their new environment feel more familiar. Include their favorite chair, pillows, and photos in the move. 

Prepare 

Help your loved one be as prepared as possible on the day of the move, so there’s no rushing, forgotten items, or other curveballs. Work together to build out a loose schedule of the day so you can both stay on track and get your loved one moved into their new space as seamlessly as possible. Also, pack a suitcase to include belongings they’ll need right away, like medications, toiletries and a change of clothes. Everything else can go into boxes. 

Laugh 

At the end of the day, try your best to keep things light-hearted for your loved one. Knowing this can be an extremely emotional time for them, be ready to laugh at any inconveniences and try to enjoy this time together as a memory for both of you to look back on. Even if it can seem tough at first, your loved one will be enjoying their new chapter of life at Heather Glen Senior Living in no time at all. 

If you’re looking for a personal care community that will make your loved one feel right at home, Heather Glen Senior Living is the place to be. Our professional staff will take great care to ensure they feel comfortable, happy, and healthy in their new space. Give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or contact us online to start planning for the transition today.