Helping Older Hoarders in Independence
Some older people in Independence have a challenge with keeping a lot of things in their home. When the situation becomes overwhelming, it is called hoarding, and it can be hard to handle. If you want to help seniors who are dealing with this issue, you need to be patient, kind, and thoughtful. Let’s take a look at some ways to assist them in making their homes safer and feeling better themselves.
Begin By Learning About Hoarding:
To help our older friends or relatives who hoard, it’s important to understand what hoarding means. It’s not about being lazy or messy. It’s connected to how people think. Learn about why hoarding happens and what difficulties it can cause. This will help you better grasp their situation.
Build Trust to Make Progress:
When you’re helping older people with hoarding, being a trustworthy person is essential. Show that you care about them and that you won’t judge them. Speak gently about your concerns and your desire to help. Make sure they know that you’re there to work together to make their living space safer and happier.
Get Help from Hoarding Experts:
Reach out to professionals who know about hoarding. Encourage the seniors to talk to a therapist who specializes in hoarding. This expert can help them understand and manage the emotions that lead to hoarding. Sometimes, losing someone they love triggers hoarding behaviors. Therapists can teach them ways to feel less anxious, make better choices, and stay organized.
Take it Slow with Cleaning or Get Help:
Cleaning up can be overwhelming for seniors who hoard. It’s best to take things slowly. Break down the task into small steps. This way, it’s easier for them to handle. Assist them in deciding what to keep, what’s important to them, and what they can let go of. Celebrate even small accomplishments to keep them motivated.
When you help with cleaning, remember that they often still want to make decisions about their things. Don’t take things away without asking for permission. This could upset them. Instead, discuss what they want to do with their belongings. If they’re in the hospital or a care facility, communicate with the staff to ensure things are handled properly.
Cleaning is often the most stressful portion for someone with hoarding disorder. It’s not uncommon to have conflict with someone that is trying to help them. In many cases the best course of action is to work with a professional hoarding cleanup company. Companies that specialize in this type of work are usually the most qualified to help. Be sure that you find a reputable Missouri hoarding cleanup company with a good track record.
Organize Things In a Way That Makes Sense:
Help them find practical ways to keep things organized. Use labeled boxes or shelves so they know where to put things. You can find these items in stores in Independence or online.
Prioritize Safety in a Hoarding Situation:
Hoarding homes can be a dangerous place full of health risks for hoarders. Safety is very important. Many older hoarders are at risk of falling and getting hurt. Make sure there are clear pathways for them to walk without tripping. Also, look out for things that could cause fires or other problems, like heaters or too many plugs in one place. Collaborate to make their home a safe and comfortable place.
Build a Support System for the Hoarder:
Dealing with hoarding takes time and support. It’s good to have friends who can help. Find groups or organizations in Independence that are knowledgeable about hoarding. They can offer ongoing assistance, even after you’re done helping. Places like community centers, mental health groups, and experts in cleaning can be valuable resources.
Wrapping Up How to Help an Older Hoarder:
Helping older people who hoard isn’t easy, but it’s important. By showing kindness and using the tips mentioned here, you can truly make a difference. Keep their well-being in mind, build trust, and continue providing support. Remember, you’re not alone—Independence has resources and people who can guide you throughout the process.