Psychological interventions designed to reduce relocation stress for older people transitioning into permanent residential aged care: A systematic scoping review

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify and evaluate psychological interventions or strategies designed to reduce relocation stress in older people making the permanent transition into residential aged care.

METHOD: A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. An electronic search of nine databases and the search engine google scholar was completed in December 2022. Article screening and quality appraisal was undertaken independently by at least two reviewers.

RESULTS: Eight full-text articles were included for review, from which four psychological interventions were identified: 1) Resident peer support; 2) Life review; 3) Mental Health Service for Older Adults; 4) The Program to Enhance Adjustment to Residential Living. No interventions were implemented before transitioning into care; all were implemented within three months of resident relocation into an aged care facility.

CONCLUSION: The transition to residential aged care is an inherently distressing experience. The absence of interventions implemented during the pre- and mid-transition phases presents a gap in the literature and suggests an opportunity for early intervention. As population ageing continues to increase, there is a pressing need for the development and implementation of interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety for older people undertaking this major life transition.