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. 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 Residential: movement of elderly person from one home to another Institutional: movement of elderly person from his home to an institution and vice versa Interinstitiutional: movement of elderly person from one institution to another 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" These in turn can lead to improper adjustment. This may lead to "Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS)" or "Transportation shock"

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. Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS)

Risk factors of ( RSS) 1. Previous relocation experiences 2. Length of time spent in previous residence. 3. Extent of environment change in the current relocation. 4. Willingness to relocate 5. Inadequate preparation for relocation. 6. Loss of loved ones, resources, physical and / or mental health, functional ability. 7. 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