Seniors accumulate a variety of household possessions throughout their lifetimes that may hold valuable memories. While it’s okay to keep a few items with sentimental value, there can come a time when a person’s belongings take over the home. This excessive accumulation of belongings is more commonly known as hoarding and is becoming a more frequent problem among the senior population. Hoarding can have a dramatic impact on an aging adult’s safety and health. If your aging loved one is showing signs of hoarding, here are some effective strategies for approaching the situation with sensitivity while helping him or her regain control over the home environment.
Understand Your Loved One’s Reasoning
People hoard for a variety of reasons, and understanding your loved one’s attachment to his or her possessions may help you convince him or her it’s time to clear the clutter. For example, many seniors hold on to papers they deem important out of the fear they may need them later. Helping your loved one scan these papers into digital files could provide peace of mind while eliminating the hazard of loose papers scattered around the house.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Make Decluttering a Feel-Good Project
Seniors play a valuable role in every community, and helping others can restore their sense of purpose. Try asking your loved one to donate some of his or her excess belongings to a good cause. For example, used clothing can be donated to a homeless shelter, or a young family in the neighborhood might be able to use a new piece of furniture. Even odds and ends such as stacks of newspaper will be welcomed by teachers at schools and day care centers. Make sure to start small with these projects and comment on the rewarding feeling that accompanies each donation until your loved one makes it a regular event.
A professional caregiver can provide the support your loved one needs and help him or her live a healthy life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Amarillo homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Emphasize Health & Safety
If your loved one still balks at the prospect of clearing out the clutter, it may be necessary to explain your concerns regarding the safety of his or her home. Once you’ve stated that certain items must go, you can encourage your loved one to maintain control by deciding on where each item will go. Make sure to provide acceptable options, such as a storage building or donation center. Then stick to your plan and continue to keep watch for signs that clutter is taking over again so you can help your loved one maintain a clutter-free home.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Amarillo respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (806) 803-9991 today.