Most senior citizens will state they want to age in place in their own homes. According studies done by AARP, 88 percent of adults want to age in their own homes. Many retirees have paid off their mortgages and believe that staying put is the best financial decision they can make. For many seniors this place evokes strong emotions of familiarity and comfort after decades of residing there.
But how viable is this concept? With the correct care and support, it is achievable for some. However, for many others, staying at home may contribute to a health decline due to isolation or a serious fall. In these cases, family members may advise loved ones to consider moving to an Assisted Living Facility.
Moving After Retirement
Any type of move is regarded as one of the most stressful events in a human lifetime. It tops the list alongside being laid off and the loss of a loved one.
Even when a senior realizes that change is in their best interests, the transition can be challenging. Indeed, the medical world understands the distinct set of experiences that seniors go through and use the term relocation stress syndrome or “RSS” to describe it. This can also be referred to as transfer trauma, symptoms may include anxiety, disorientation, and loneliness.
There are actions you can take to make a senior’s relocation near trouble-free while also lowering the risk of RSS.
Making the transition to Assisted Living as Painless as Possible
- Don’t Rush the Process – Try not to rush this move unless it is the result of a crisis that demands a quick transition. Allow your family member time to come to terms with the idea and make decisions about downsizing. Rushing the process can add unnecessary stress to the situation.
- Get involved – making the transition to a new place where you know little to none of the people there is stressful. We highly encourage families to get involved in the community as soon as possible.
- VISIT – the fear of being forgotten by their loved ones is very common amongst seniors experiencing transition. Make sure to visit your loved one and relieve that stress they have. If you’re visiting Mercy House, we have a few recommendations for your to enjoy your time in Temple, TX. You can see them on this page.