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. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Northern Kentucky families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier 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 seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, 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 elderly home care. Northern Kentucky families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
