Why Is Hoarding Something Seniors Need to Address?

Some of the signs that seniors might be struggling with anything from a little too much clutter to outright hoarding could involve no longer inviting people over and not wanting to talk about their homes. The reality is that hoarding can cause some serious issues for seniors. Talking about what those issues are can help family caregivers get through to seniors. Homemaker services may be an answer, especially after seniors have their home decluttered a bit.

Increased Health Hazards

When seniors start to hoard items in their homes, it’s more difficult to keep the whole house clean. Dust builds up, mold can become an issue, and pests find places to thrive. All of these issues can have a direct impact on senior wellness, especially if they already have health isuses.

More Safety Risks

As hoarded items start to stack up, often quite literally, there are other safety risks. Tripping hazards, fire hazards, and blocked windows and doors are very real problems. If seniors aren’t willing to get rid of the majority of those items, finding ways to organize them and clear entries and exits is really important. Elder care providers can help with this, while also helping to make sure those pathways stay as clear as possible.

Structural Issues in the Home

Significant hoards can do more than just cause safety concerns. They can also cause structural damage to homes. Big piles of items get heavy really quickly. Over time, floors can sag and walls may start to bow. Another problem can be when something in the home needs repair, like the HVAC system or the plumbing. If repair people can’t get to the areas in question, neglecting those concerns also contributes to structural problems.

Anxiety and Loneliness

Emotions run high with hoarding, which means that sometimes family members don’t realize that hoarding can lead to both loneliness and anxiety. A great many people who collect items and create hoards are embarrassed or have experienced a lot of emotional pain. This can cause them to isolate themselves, restricting the social interaction they truly do need. Companion care at home can help by spending time with seniors and alleviating loneliness.

Strained Relationships

It’s also common that when family members know about the hoard, they apply pressure to seniors to resolve the issue. That’s an understandable reaction, of course, but it can also strain those relationships. If that’s an issue, homemaker services can sometimes be a neutral option. Seniors get support they need and family caregivers know that there is someone there with the seniors they care about. Time and space can help repair the relationships, especially if seniors eventually acknowledge they need to do something about their hoard of items.

Hoarding is a mental health issue. It isn’t something that seniors can just get over on their own. But with the help of family caregivers and homemaker services, they can get safety issues addressed and maybe even consider getting additional help to recover from hoarding disorder.

If you or an aging loved one are considering homemaker services in Scarsdale, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.