Even though many people start developing their hoarding habits as teenagers or young adults, some of the symptoms might not become apparent until later in life. Once seniors live alone and their professional responsibilities fade, they can lose control over their compulsive actions. Catching the early warning signs of hoarding can help family members and caregivers come up with comprehensive plans to help their aging loved ones.
1. A Strong Urge to Save Meaningless Items
The most obvious sign of hoarding is having a difficult time throwing items away when they’re no longer needed. Your loved one might start keeping stacks of old newspapers or collecting food containers. If you suspect your loved one is starting to hoard, suggest tidying up the house instead of simply tossing out the old items he or she isn’t using.
Some seniors may need assistance with daily activities and housekeeping tasks. 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 Las Vegas , we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
2. Difficulty Letting Go of Personal Possessions
Many seniors enjoy going through old personal possessions, but there may come a time when their actions seem compulsive. In addition to hoarding useless items like old newspapers, they might want to keep old clothing that no longer fits. Seniors who aren’t comfortable throwing items away or selling them might consider handing them down to family members or friends.
3. Distress at the Thought of Getting Rid of Items
After family members or friends bring up the idea of getting rid of some items, many hoarders will immediately become defensive. When this happens, take a step back to prevent the situation from escalating. Aggressively approaching the problem could make your loved one more defensive.
4. An Unsanitary Living Space
Family caregivers should consider seeking professional help for their loved ones once their parents’ living areas are no longer sanitary and there are immediate health risks. Unsanitary conditions are dangerous, and they could also result in huge fines due to pest infestations or danger to pets. Many towns have hoarding task forces sponsored by local health agencies that will step in and order cleanups. While this might distress your loved one, his or her physical safety should be your primary concern.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Las Vegas families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
5. Other Compulsive Behaviors
Hoarding can be a symptom of mental health disorders that lead to compulsive behaviors. This includes a fear of going outside or the refusal to eat anything but one specific meal. As soon as you notice any other unusual behaviors, contact a mental health specialist. Therapists who specialize in treating hoarding behaviors often host weekly support groups and counseling sessions to uncover the underlying causes.
The longer hoarding continues, the more difficult it becomes to stop, so don’t wait to reach out for help. In Las Vegas, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family. Call Assisting Hands Home Care at 702-919-0231 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.
