Some seniors develop age-related conditions that prevent them from living independently in their own homes, which often results in moving in with family members who can take care of them. Many of these seniors also become overwhelmed by the move and develop relocation stress syndrome (RSS). Because RSS can have a negative impact on your elderly loved one’s emotional wellbeing, it’s important to learn about its symptoms and implement these strategies to prevent it.
What Are the Symptoms of RSS?
Even if your loved one knows he or she is welcome in your home, he or she may still fear the loss of independence and familiarity. This can trigger symptoms of RSS, including:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Dependency
Take the Transition Slowly
If possible, give your loved one time to get used to the idea of moving into your home. Pressuring your loved one into making a decision will only create feelings of resentment and make him or her more resistant to the idea. Make sure to listen to and address any concerns or reservations your loved one has about the arrangement.
An in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with emotional support during and after this transition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Fort Lauderdale families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care Fort Lauderdale to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Encourage Participation
Find out what your loved one would like in this new arrangement, which can include anything from the setup of a private space to his or her daily schedule. Both you and your loved one may have to make compromises along the way. However, by working together, you can come up with an arrangement that addresses your loved one’s needs.
If your loved one needs support during and after moving, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Families looking for top-rated elderly home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Ward Off Isolation
If the move is long-distance, your loved one may be resistant out of fear he or she will become isolated and lose familiar social contacts. You can ease the transition by helping your loved one find similar activities and groups in your community. If you know people in a particular group, get them to reach out to your loved one before the move and invite him or her to participate. This provides a point of contact when your loved one arrives.
Know Your Own Limits
Your work or family obligations may make it difficult for you to take care of all of your loved one’s needs, which can lead to both of you feeling resentment and stress. Hiring respite care can ensure your loved one receives the assistance he or she needs and provide you with time to take care of your other obligations.
Caring for senior loved ones can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Fort Lauderdale families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
