Relocation of the Elderly
Person
Presented by
Dr. Soad H. Abd El Hamid El Tantawy
Lecturer of Gerontological Nursing
Faculty of Nursing
Mansoura University
Out lines:
Introduction
Definition of relocation
Types of relocation
Factors affecting adjustment to relocation
Relocation stress syndrome
Risk factors of relocation stress syndrome
Characteristics of relocation stress syndrome
Nursing intervention to cope with relocation
Definition
Relocation has been defined as the
change in environment that takes place
when people move their primary living
space from one location to another.
Types of relocation
1. Residential: movement of elderly person
from one home to another
2. Institutional: movement of elderly person
from his home to an institution and vice
versa.
3. Interinstitiutional: movement of elderly
person from one institution to another.
4. Intrainstitutional: movement of elderly
person from one room to another within the
same institution.
Factors affecting adjustment to
relocation.
Decline in life satisfaction have been found among older
adults when relocate to extreme environment
When relocation is involuntary
When the older adult is not prepared for relocation.
These in turn can lead to improper adjustment. This
may lead to "Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS)" or
"Transportation shock"
Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS)
The North American Nursing Diagnosis
Association (NANDA) has defined relocation
Stress Syndrome as "Physiological and / or
psychological disturbance as s result of
transfer from one environment to another.
Risk factors of ( RSS)
1. Previous relocation experiences
2. Length of time spent in previous residence.
3. Extent of environment change in the current
4.
5.
6.
7.
relocation.
Willingness to relocate
Inadequate preparation for relocation.
Loss of loved ones, resources, physical and / or
mental health, functional ability.
Feeling of powerlessness and lack of an adequate
support system.
Characteristics of (RSS)
Minor:
Change in eating
habits
Gastrointestinal
disturbances
Dependency
Lack of trust
Restlessness
Weight change
Sleep disturbances
Insecurity
Increase verbalization
of needs
Withdrawal
Sad effect
Characteristics of (RSS)
Major:
1. Loneliness
2. Apprehension
3. Depression
4. Anxiety
Nursing measures to help the elders
cope with relocation process
1. Preparation for the move included informing the
residents several months prior to the move. This can be
achieved through describing the move to their close
family members.
2. Orientation of the elderly to the environment, home daily
routine, administrative staff, working personal and other
residents particularly his or her roommates.
3. Relocation stress can be decreased through careful
screening, selection and place the new elders with old
residents in one room.
4. Allow elders to move personal belonging with them.
5.
Encourage elderly to express his feelings.
6.
Encourage elderly person to focus on positive
aspect of relocation.
7.
Assist elderly person by spending more time with
them.
8.
Maintain the environment more familiar as
possible
9.
Encourage the elders choosing room location;
color and furnishings, participating in a residence's
council (a mean of communicating opinions), and
selecting menus for daily meals have been found
to enhance adjustment to relocation.
10.Close interpersonal relationships with friends living
in the nursing home facilities stability of life,
physical and mental health and psychological
adaptation of older relocating adults.
11.Use of religious beliefs and practices as well as social
support have also been found to decrease the stress.
12.Close follow up and observation to any changes in
eating habits, activities and sleep pattern, it is critical
that nurses intervene in order to advocate for as much
control as possible by older adults over their process
of relocation.
How to Help the Elderly Deal with
Stress
Provide strong and persistent verbal reassurance.
Assist with recovery of physical possessions as is safe,
make frequent home visits, and arrange for companions.
Give special attention to suitable residential relocation,
ideally in familiar surroundings with friends or
acquaintances.
Help re-establish contact with family and friends.
Assist in obtaining medical and financial assistance.
Help re-establish medication and any dietary regimens.
Provide transportation to the doctor, grocery store, etc.
Thank you