Relocation Stress Syndrome: Understanding, Symptoms & Coping Strategies for Seniors

When a loved one moves from independent living to a senior care community, it’s a major life change for both of you. If you’ve noticed them becoming quieter, more anxious, or even losing weight, you’re not alone in your concern. 

These shifts may be signs of relocation stress syndrome, sometimes called transfer trauma, a common but often overlooked response to a big transition.

Read on to learn more about relocation stress trauma, its symptoms, and how to cope with it. 

 Key takeaways

• Relocation stress syndrome, which is also called transfer trauma, is a condition affecting individuals, typically seniors, who experience involuntary or major life relocations from familiar surroundings.
• Relocation stress syndrome symptoms manifest both emotionally and physically. If left untreated, it can lead to a severe decline in overall health.
• With careful planning, your senior family member can avoid RSS or only have it for a short duration.

What is relocation stress syndrome?

The National Institute of Health describes relocation stress syndrome as a condition that occurs when an elderly person moves from their own beloved home into a senior living community. Moving into a new environment takes a toll on their emotional well-being.

Moving someone from the only home they’ve known, sometimes for decades, can cause challenges. However, RSS can be temporary and managed with support from both the family and mental health professionals.

Who is most at risk for relocation stress syndrome?

Many seniors transitioning into a new senior living community are at risk. This is especially true if they had a medical incident that caused the sudden need for extra care. The loss of independence can be devastating and take a toll, with many elderly adults reporting bouts of loneliness and feelings of social isolation.

Research finds that residents who move to less than desirable facilities are more likely to develop RSS than people who are moved to places that help them explore their interests and be social. 

Symptoms of relocation stress syndrome 

It is normal for moves to cause some discomfort and anxiety, but here are common signs that psychological and physical distress may be relocation stress syndrome:

Emotional

Many older adults experience anxiety, depression, and irritability. They also express feelings of loneliness, powerlessness, and loss of control.

Cognitive

Confusion, memory issues, difficulty making decisions, and disorientation are often seen, regardless of previous cognitive impairment. 

Physical

RSS can cause many physical symptoms, including: 

• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight loss
• Worsening of pre-existing health conditions.

Consequences of untreated relocation stress syndrome 

Allowing RSS to fester can severely impact someone’s health, even to the point of shortening their life. Some long-term consequences include:

• Depression
• Cognitive decline
• Worsening dementia
• Weakened immune system
• Reclusiveness

How long does relocation stress last?

It depends. A short-term stay, like in a rehab center, may cause a shorter bout of psychological distress, whereas a permanent transition could cause a long-term decline, and in worst cases, premature death.

The length of the struggle can also be affected by whether the older person chose to move on their own or was forced to move. Another significant factor is whether they still have social connections with friends and family in their new living environment. Extroverted, social seniors may also struggle with the transition.

Coping strategies: Before, during, and after the move

There is no guarantee that an older adult will or won’t develop relocation stress syndrome. Anyone can develop some psychological distress moving into a new environment, but there are ways to avoid or decrease the risk of RSS and make the transition smoother. 

Before the move

Proper planning is essential, and you should implement any changes gradually. Start with touring facilities. Downsizing and moving into a facility shouldn’t happen overnight, especially when an owned home and family pets are involved. If there isn’t an immediate need to relocate, consider starting the conversation months in advance, instead of making a hasty decision that leads to chaos. 

Studies find that involving loved ones in the decision to transition to a nursing home can help with the grieving process. Allow them to tour the senior living community and consider what matters most to them when deciding on a new living environment. 

During the move 

Encourage your loved one to acknowledge any feelings that arise during the transition rather than suppressing them. Practicing self-care by keeping appointments, maintaining personal hygiene, and using positive coping skills may help your family member to feel more in control and prepared. 

Allow them to decide what they want to bring to their new home, and avoid overstepping. They can choose the most meaningful and comfortable familiar items and take them to their new space. Maintaining open communication with family members and staff during a move helps alleviate stress and facilitate a smoother transition.

After the move

It’s important to avoid cutting off existing routines just because your loved one is no longer in their own home. For example, church and other social obligations like book clubs should be maintained for as long as possible. A 2023 study finds that “successful aging” can be achieved by maintaining social obligations and a daily schedule. 

A quality senior living community will heavily focus on just that: community. Encourage your family member to sign up for activities and to make new connections in their new surroundings. Making friends can help them adjust to their new community. If they are apprehensive, they can start by checking out what’s appealing on the event calendar, attending a group exercise class, or going to a meetup related to a hobby.

When and how to seek professional help

Research finds that 95% of new residents will feel depressive symptoms 90 days after moving into a care facility. While those feelings are to be expected, families may find that their senior loved ones may benefit from occasional psychotherapy, for check-ins and strategizing to help develop coping skills.

However, if symptoms persist after more than six months or if they start to increase, it is definitely time to seek out therapy.

How Sailor Health supports seniors through relocation stress syndrome

Sailor Health can help ease transfer trauma for older adults. With the help of virtual therapy, mental health professionals are here to talk through any concerns and act as advocates for seniors struggling with the transition. Our clinicians specialize in helping seniors, and many of them are older adults, themselves.

Individuals may also have their virtual therapy covered up to 100% through Medicare at Sailor Health, giving them one less thing to worry about as they adjust to their new reality. 

FAQ 

How long does relocation stress syndrome last?

That can depend on many factors, including the length of the stay and whether your elderly loved one is receiving social support. However, RSS can last six months to over a year, especially if they don’t seek professional mental health care.

Can you prevent relocation stress syndrome?

It’s better to look at relocation stress syndrome as something that needs to be coped with, considering that many moves to a new senior living environment are medically necessary after a significant health complication. However, keeping seniors involved in the decision-making process can make the moving process easier.

What are the symptoms of relocation stress?

• Emotional: Increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability
• Mental: Confusion, memory problems, and cognitive impairment 
• Physical/behavioral: Changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, and social withdrawal

What helps relocation stress syndrome?

Maintaining structured routines and keeping support systems intact helps many new residents. The fear of losing meaningful relationships can negatively impact the relocation process and overall well-being.

References

1. Tsadok-Cohen, M., Rosenblum, S., Cohen Elimelech, O., Ferrante, S., & Meyer, S. (2023). "You Need to Set a Daily Schedule": Understanding Successful Aging via Three-Sided Viewpoints. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(22), 3005. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11223005
2. Costlow, K., & Parmelee, P. A. (2020). The impact of relocation stress on cognitively impaired and cognitively unimpaired long-term care residents. Aging & mental health, 24(10), 1589–1595. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1660855
3. Fealy, S., McLaren, S., Nott, M., Seaman, C. E., Cash, B., & Rose, L. (2024). Psychological interventions designed to reduce relocation stress for older people transitioning into permanent residential aged care: a systematic scoping review. Aging & Mental Health, 28(9), 1197–1208. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2024.2340731
4. Halifax E, Bui NM, Hunt LJ, Stephens CE. Transitioning to Life in a Nursing Home: The Potential Role of Palliative Care. Journal of Palliative Care. 2020;36(1):61-65. doi:10.1177/0825859720904802
5. Regier, N. G., & Parmelee, P. A. (2021). Selective optimization with compensation strategies utilized by older adults newly-transitioned to assisted living. Aging & Mental Health, 25(10), 1877–1886. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2020.1856776
6. Walker, C. A., Curry, L. C., & Hogstel, M. O. (2007). Relocation stress syndrome in older adults transitioning from home to a long-term care facility: myth or reality?. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 45(1), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20070101-09