1.2 Explain the effects that moving may have on an individual and their personal relationships

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain the effects that moving may have on an individual and their personal relationships.

Moving to a new home environment affects more than one’s physical surroundings. It has wide-reaching impacts on health, well-being, and relationships. Understanding these effects helps you support individuals through the process. Each person’s experience is unique, shaped by their circumstances, past experiences, and support networks.

In this guide, we will look into the physical, psychological, emotional, and social effects of moving, along with how relationships with loved ones, friends, and carers may change.

Emotional Effects on the Individual

A move can cause strong feelings, both positive and negative. While some feel hopeful or relieved, many struggle with sadness, anxiety, or fear.

Typical emotional responses include:

• Sadness or grief about leaving a familiar home
• Anxiety about adjusting to new surroundings or routines
• Excitement about new possibilities
• Worry about losing touch with neighbours or friends
• Relief if the move means greater safety or support

People often feel a sense of loss, especially if leaving a home filled with memories or where they felt secure. Even moves for positive reasons can be difficult at first.

Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Stress is a common reaction to moving. For those who already face health problems, this stress can worsen symptoms or delay recovery.

Impact on health may include:

• Disrupted sleep
• Difficulty eating or changes in appetite
• Increasing physical symptoms, like pain or tiredness
• Worsening of mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety
• Lowered ability to manage daily activities at first

Some people may experience ‘relocation stress syndrome’. This is a set of symptoms such as confusion, depression, withdrawal, or aggression, often seen in older people after a move.

At the same time, moving into safer, supported accommodation can improve health if the previous home was unsafe or unsuitable.

Loss of Independence

Moving can mean changes to daily routines. Some may welcome extra support, but others feel they are losing independence.

Common issues are:

• Needing help with tasks they used to do alone
• Feeling frustrated about depending on others
• Embarrassment about staff or carers seeing personal routines
• Less privacy in shared or staffed homes

Older adults or people with disabilities may feel a loss of control over their lives. This can lower self-esteem and cause frustration or withdrawal.

Disruption of Habits and Routines

When someone moves, their routines change. This can make them feel unsettled or disoriented, especially at first.

Such changes might involve:

• Sleeping in a new room or bed
• Different meal times or menus
• New ways of managing medication
• Adjusting to other people’s schedules

For people with learning disabilities, autism, or dementia, changes in routine can be particularly distressing. They may become agitated, anxious, or confused.

Changes to Social Networks

Moving often disrupts local connections. People lose regular contact with neighbours, friends, community groups, or local shops.

Social effects include:

• Feeling isolated or lonely, especially if moving far away
• Loss of support from neighbours or local friends
• Less involvement with community services, clubs, or places of worship
• Needing to make new friends and connections

Older adults and people with disabilities can be particularly at risk of loneliness after a move.

Building new relationships takes time. Some individuals struggle to trust others or feel shy, while others thrive in the new environment.

Effects on Family and Carers

Moving affects loved ones and carers, as well as the individual.

Family reactions range from relief (knowing their relative is safe) to guilt or sadness about the change.

Changes families may notice:

• Less frequent contact if the new home is further away
• Difficulty visiting due to travel or new routines
• Changes in their caring role—sometimes stepping back, sometimes taking on new tasks
• Mixed feelings about safety versus independence

Children may feel confused, worried, or upset about a parent or grandparent moving away. Carers might feel loss or even relief if someone moves into supported housing.

Impact on Personal Relationships

Relationships can either deepen or come under strain during a move. The way people feel and act may change.

Common effects include:

• Increased conflict if there are disagreements about the move
• Feelings of abandonment, betrayal, or anger if they didn’t want to move
• Strengthened bonds if loved ones provide support through the move
• Jealousy or resentment towards new carers, staff, or housemates
• Shifts in trust, especially if the individual feels forced into the move

Friendships from the previous area may fade over time, depending on distance and contact.

In care settings, people may make new friends, share common experiences, or form support networks.

Cultural and Identity Considerations

Moving can affect how people see themselves, particularly if the home is tied to culture, religion, or community.

Effects on identity include:

• Loss of familiar cultural practices or rituals
• Feeling disconnected from personal heritage or background
• Frustration if staff or new housemates do not understand cultural needs

Someone from a minority background may miss local shops or community spaces important to their culture.

It is important that care staff recognise and support cultural needs in the new environment.

Building Confidence and New Opportunities

Adapting to a new setting can eventually build confidence and open up new possibilities, although these positive effects often come after initial struggles.

Possible benefits include:

• Improved access to services and activities
• Making new friends or joining new community groups
• Gaining independence with the right support
• Better health from a safer or more suitable home

A move triggered by necessity can still lead to improved quality of life in the long run.

Supporting Individuals and Their Relationships

The way you support people through a move will shape their experience and relationships.

Helpful approaches are:

• Listen to their worries, wishes, and preferences
• Give clear and patient explanations about what will happen
• Encourage involvement in planning and choices
• Support contact with friends, family, and familiar people
• Promote social opportunities in the new environment
• Watch for signs of emotional distress, withdrawal, or panic
• Offer reassurance and find ways to maintain dignity and independence

Encouraging visits to the new home before moving in can help reduce anxiety. Linking up with advocacy or befriending services can also ease loneliness.

Maintaining Connections

It is important to help people stay in touch with friends and family wherever possible. This may mean:

• Arranging regular phone or video calls
• Supporting visits or outings
• Sharing calendars for planned get-togethers
• Helping to send letters, pictures, or updates
• Encouraging involvement in new community activities

Flexible visiting arrangements and transport support can make a big difference.

The Role of Care Workers

As a care worker, your patience, empathy, and advocacy can help the individual and their loved ones adjust.

You must:

• Stay alert to signs of distress or social isolation
• Respect cultural needs and identity
• Work with families and other agencies
• Maintain clear communication
• Support the person’s rights to privacy, dignity, and choice
• Give practical help during and after the move

By taking these steps, you help reduce the negative effects of moving and build a foundation for positive relationships in the new environment.

Final Thoughts

Moving has mixed effects. Some people gain safety, support, and new opportunities. Others feel sadness, loss of identity, or strain in personal relationships. Emotional support, good communication, and respect for each person’s values and connections can make the transition smoother and more positive. Your support can help individuals find meaning, maintain key relationships, and settle into their new life with confidence.