Hoarding and How To Declutter

Hoarding is a surprisingly common issue that caregivers face while providing elder care. Senior care providers in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, have assisted countless elderly individuals in cleaning their homes and removing unnecessary and dangerous items. When the home of a senior becomes overrun with clutter, it can pose a threat to their wellbeing—physically, mentally, and emotionally. For this reason, many senior care providers in the Chapel Hill area assist elderly individuals in de-cluttering their homes to create a safer, more comfortable living space.

Why is Hoarding Dangerous?

Hoarding is dangerous because it creates an unsafe living environment. With too many items in a home, walkways can become obstructed and seniors may trip and fall. Additionally, hoarding may impede efforts to maintain a clean environment. Mold and other dangerous consequences may occur under the right conditions.

How to Help Your Senior De-Clutter

Senior care services are meant to create a safer living environment for elderly individuals who reside in their own homes. Through senior care services, caregivers provide the security that these elderly individuals need to maintain their independence. Part of this responsibility requires maintaining a clean, safe home.

• Talk to your loved one about their hoarding habits. Approach the topic sensitively, as this is often an emotional habit and seniors frequently attach sentimental value to the items they collect.
• When de-cluttering the home, take the project room by room. This will help keep your senior from becoming overwhelmed by the process.
• Make three piles for each room: items that are to be kept, items that are to be thrown away, and items that are to be donated. Remove these piles as quickly as possible in order to keep your senior from having second thoughts about the items that are being removed from the house.
• Finish each room before moving onto the next so that your elderly loved one can see the progress you are achieving. This may act as motivation to continue cleaning the rest of the house.

Hoarding is a problem that is more common than many people think. Senior care professionals in Chapel Hill know that de-cluttering the homes of elderly individuals is important in keeping them safe. If you need assistance with this task, senior care providers are available to help.