TRANSFER TRAUMA

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: We're about to move my 80 year-old father into an assisted living facility and I've just become aware of a phenomenon called "transfer trauma." Can you please elaborate on this? Terry in Missouri, 60

ANSWER: When an elderly person is moved to a new location, it can often take some time for him/her to adjust to the situation. Just moving to a room with a window in the same facility or institution can cause problems. This is transfer trauma. Everything familiar has changed, and you have to take that into account. Give your elder loved one time to get used to the new environment. I'm talking about the sounds, the smells, the other people, and especially the food. This adjustment period can take longer for those who are non-verbal.

Often, your elder will be dealing with a certain level of disorientation and fear when he/she moves. Sometimes there are new roommates to get to know. There might be a staff of aides to recognize and trust. Do what you can to facilitate a comfort level as soon as possible. Talk with your elder about the move and remind him/her why the change was made. Your elder needs to be reassured that the new environment is safe and positive and that he/she is going to be OK. It's also important to let your loved one know that the family is going to visit often.

Transfer trauma can often cause the elder's family to become concerned since he/she isn't acting like him/herself. Memory loss, a higher level of agitation, and lack of appetite are all signs of transfer trauma. The problem can become compounded when the family calls the doctor to correct these issues. Your elder then might be prescribed medication when he/she should just be given time to adjust to the new surroundings. Alert the doctor that there has been a change in your elder's environment, but allow a few days before any doctors are asked to address these symptoms.