“Waste not, want not” is a widely held belief system for America’s baby boomer generation and the elderly. While conservation and frugality can be a beneficial strategy, in excess, this belief system can lead to dangerous hoarding behavior. Compulsive hoarding is categorized as a psychological disorder that tends to present in seniors with anxiety-driven tendencies. A senior may attempt to cope with aging by saving and collecting resources for fear of running out. These behaviors may manifest due to anxiety, insecurity or dementia-related confusion. The behaviors may increase as brain function decreases.
The type of items collected and hoarded vary by individual. Some simply collect all the mail received and refuse to throw any of it away because they worry it might be important or needed in the future. Others stockpile medications, food and other resources. Some refuse to take out garbage and allow it to accumulate in their living spaces. In extreme cases, the home environment can become so cluttered that it poses a health and safety hazard. Unsanitary conditions may result which undermine the senior’s ability to remain independent and age in place. These conditions can increase the risk of falling and result in poorer hygiene and nutrition.
How to Manage Hoarding Behavior
In helping a loved one prone to hoarding, keep in mind that this is an illness. Their actions are caused by decreased brain function and cognitive decline. If your loved one is still at a stage where you can calmly reason with him or her, try doing so in a non-threatening manner. You can help them sort through and clean out. You may also be able to discretely dispose of non-essential items (like junk mail and trash) without alerting the senior.
Some mental health professionals also suggest creating a special box or drawer where the senior can store sentimental items. Direct the individual to this location each time they attempt to collect an item. This keeps the collection orderly and safeguards the home.
Consider having you senior medically evaluated for depression. Research shows that both hoarding and depression impact the frontal lobes of the brain. The frontal lobes are responsible for organizing and arranging. Some seniors with hoarding issues respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Seek a medical evaluation if your loved one shows hoarding tendencies. The medical professional will attempt to discern whether dementia, depression or other mental health disorders need to be treated in addition to the hoarding issue. Build a support system for both your loved one and yourself. Be realistic with your expectations. Do not attempt to transform the living space into a minimalistic magazine-worthy aesthetic. Safety is the ultimate goal. It may be a long process, but it is possible to help your loved one reclaim his or her home and make it a safe and healthy environment.
For assistance with any elder law issues you or your senior loved one face, please contact the compassionate elder law attorneys at Stouffer Legal in the Greater Baltimore area. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufflerlegal.com
