How Can Seniors Break Free from Hoarding Behaviors?
Aging adults are particularly susceptible to hoarding for a variety of reasons, such as loss experienced during their lives, a lifetime of accumulated belongings, and emotional attachments formed over a long period. If seniors are dealing with hoarding behaviors, they can start to take steps to break free from those habits. It can take some time and a lot of help, especially from family caregivers and mental health professionals. Senior home care providers can also help with the hands-on needs as seniors heal.
Senior Home Care Scotch Plains NJ – How Can Seniors Break Free from Hoarding Behaviors?
Keep Seniors Involved
Sometimes hoarding arises because seniors feel out of control in other areas of their lives. They may not have control over their health or other types of losses, but they can control the items they collect in their homes, for example. If family caregivers are trying to help seniors get over hoarding behaviors, they have to keep seniors involved in the decisions and conversations about the situation.
Removing the Clutter Isn’t the Whole Answer
A common misconception is that if families can simply remove all of the clutter from the home, that’s going to solve the problem. But the reality is that there are deeper issues at play, and the clutter is only a symptom. Seniors who find their hoarded items suddenly gone are more likely to find new items to start hoarding again right away. It’s better to handle the problem carefully and slowly.
Talk to Medical Providers
If family caregivers suspect that seniors might be hoarding, it’s a good idea to talk to medical providers. Therapy is a solid solution for hoarding, but there are sometimes health issues that make it easier for seniors to start hoarding belongings. Working out whether any physical health issues are contributing to the problem can help.
Senior Home Care Can Help in Other Ways
Senior home care providers aren’t mental health experts. But what they can do for seniors who are displaying hoarding behaviors is support their other needs. Seniors may have mobility issues, trouble eating healthy foods, and other daily tasks. Senior home care providers can offer them assistance and companionship, both of which make a huge difference in overall quality of life for aging adults.
Maintain Progress, if Possible
When seniors do start to make progress with hoarding behaviors and start to have more space in their homes, they may need some help maintaining that progress. Senior home care providers can help with tidying areas that are clear and offer reassurance. As they get used to the progress they’re making, seniors may find that they like what they’re learning about themselves, and they want to do what they can to help with maintenance.
Hoarding is a complicated issue for seniors to unravel. Ultimately, they have to want to make changes in their hoarding behaviors. Senior home care providers can offer emotional and hands-on support as seniors relearn what it’s like to stop collecting items. Sometimes that support can even help with the emotional challenges that led to the hoarding behaviors in the first place.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Scotch Plains, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.
Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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