Hoarding is an issue that can arise during the senior years, even for older adults who have always been organized. Dementia, depression, and a fear of poverty can all add up to an intense desire to try to hold on to everything. While hoarding and cluttering can make your senior loved one susceptible to dangerous situations, you can prevent it from getting out of control by using these strategies.
Know the Risk Factors
Seniors may begin to hoard if they live with certain physical or mental impairments. For instance, your loved one may be at risk for hoarding after a traumatic brain injury or dementia diagnosis. Once you identify risk factors, you can then take action to help your parent overcome these challenges.
Older adults with cognitive issues or dementia may have difficulty managing the activities of daily life. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Mississauga live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Emphasize Safety
Seniors need clear walking paths to prevent falls, and some older adults may hoard things that are unsafe. When you notice things starting to accumulate, talk to your loved one about the safety risks they pose. Then find ways to help your loved one store necessary items in a safer location, such as a storage building.
Provide Housekeeping Assistance
Seniors may begin hoarding if they’ve experienced illnesses or injuries that make it difficult to clean the home, causing things to pile up as a result. Once your loved one recovers, he or she may be too overwhelmed to clean and become accustomed to the clutter. Arrange for a caregiver to come over at least once a day to help your loved one handle daily chores and keep clutter from piling up.
Older adults often require assistance with daily activities to age in the comfort of their homes. The type of home care service seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Schedule Regular Cleanups
Making cleaning tasks a group effort is another way to stop hoarding. Set dates throughout the year when your family members and friends can help your loved one clean up the house. Talk to your loved one about how you can donate unused items to those in need, or let him or her feel the joy of distributing a few family heirlooms. During these cleanouts, you can also identify signs of hoarding that may require professional assistance.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare services. Mississauga families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call us at 905-337-1200 to create a customized in-home care plan.