Relocation Stress Syndrome in Older Adults Transitioning from Home to a Long-Term Care Facility: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

<p>Relocation stress syndrome is a nursing diagnosis characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, and loneliness. It usually occurs in older adults shortly after moving from a private residence to a nursing home or assisted-living facility. The primary purpose of this study was to validate the symptoms of relocation stress syndrome. Eight nursing home residents and 8 assisted-living facility residents were interviewed 2 to 10 weeks after admission, when symptoms of relocation stress syndrome are most likely to appear. Results of this study indicate that the incidence of relocation stress syndrome may be overestimated. More accurate diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults is needed.</p> <h4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</h4> <p>Dr. Walker is Associate Professor, Dr. Curry is Professor, and Dr. Hogstel is Professor Emeritus, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.</p> <p>The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. Partial funding for this study was obtained from Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.</p> <p>Address correspondence to Charles A. Walker, PhD, RN, C, Associate Professor, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298620, Fort Worth, TX 76129; e-mail: <a href="mailto:c.walker@tcu.edu">c.walker@tcu.edu</a>.</p>

Relocation experiences of the elderly to a long-term care facility in Taiwan: a qualitative study

“…The wish for their partner or spouse to come live in the facility and their efforts to communicate and interact with other residents in the LTC facility with the view of making friendships also strongly indicate the wish to avoid alienation. Consistent with findings from other studies, we found that the stress experienced by the elderly when they relocated to LTC facilities could originate from different factors [37][38][39]. The elderly in our study felt threatened by their loss of autonomy and their ability to perform self-care; feeling of dislike and distrust of the care provider and facility; fear of neglect and concerns about overall safety from injuries and accidents; feelings of missing their home and families; unfamiliar or uncomfortable environment.…”

Relocation experiences of the elderly to a long-term care facility in Taiwan: a qualitative study

“…The wish for their partner or spouse to come live in the facility and their efforts to communicate and interact with other residents in the LTC facility with the view of making friendships also strongly indicate the wish to avoid alienation. Consistent with ndings from other studies, we found that the barriers experienced by the elderly when they relocated to LTC facilities could originate from different factors [46][47][48]. The elderly in our study felt threatened by their loss of autonomy and their ability to perform self-care; feeling of dislike and distrust of the care provider and facility; fear of neglect and concerns about overall safety from injuries and accidents; feelings of missing their home and families; unfamiliar or uncomfortable environment.…”

The effects of group living homes on older people with dementia: a comparison with traditional nursing home care

“…A fourth possible limitation is that cognitive status of residents was not assessed prior to admission, but shortly after. However, numerous studies indicate that cognitive status is not significantly influenced by transition to a nursing home facility (Engle, 1985;Walker et al, 2007). Therefore, we considered the MMSE score at the first measurement to be indicative of cognitive status shortly before admission.…”