Though relocation stress syndrome (RSS) became an official medical diagnosis in 1992, seniors have been experiencing it for much longer. Age-related ailments can make independent living difficult, and many families open their homes to elderly loved ones who need their assistance. However, these families often don’t notice how much stress their loved ones experience because of the move. Waterloo senior care experts recommend watching for the warning signs of RSS and using these strategies to prevent it.
Catch the Symptoms Early
Most types of stress, including RSS, progress over a series of stages. Identifying and addressing some of the earliest warning signs of RSS can prevent your loved one from developing larger emotional and psychological problems in the future. Most seniors occasionally exhibit symptoms such as pessimism, moodiness, and loneliness. However, if you have noticed any of these symptoms occurring more frequently, it may be time to talk with your loved one and make some changes.
State the Advantages of Relocating
Just because you see the benefits of relocating does not mean the situation is as clear-cut to your loved one. You and your loved one might want to take an afternoon and delve into some of the reasons why it is so important for him or her to move in with you. Whether it is for your loved one’s safety or because he or she can no longer afford to maintain a home independently, constant reassurance can be a powerful tool.
Offer Choices
One of the most common reasons why seniors develop RSS is because they feel they have no control over their lives. When moving your loved one into your home to provide elderly care in KW, try to give him or her as many choices as possible regarding the move and what the transition will be like. Even asking which day your loved one would like to move or who he or she would like to be present could help rebuild his or her confidence.
Work with an In-Home Caregiver
Even with help from family and friends, moving a senior loved one can be a stressful project. A simple way to reduce some of the pressure is to work with an in-home caregiver who can help your loved one ease into his or her new living situation. Professional Waterloo, ON, caregivers can take care of tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping so you and your loved one are not feeling pulled in multiple directions at once.
In addition to helping with daily tasks, the in-home caregivers at Waterloo Home Care Assistance can also provide your loved one with emotional support during and after this transition. We offer flexible part-time and live-in care plans, and we also provide specialized Alzheimer’s, stroke, and Parkinson’s home care Waterloo seniors can count on. For more information and to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation with one of our Care Managers, call (519) 954-2111 today.