Why Is Hoarding a Problem for Seniors?

By Marina Pink | February 7, 2019 |

You might know that your elderly family member has a lot of stuff in her home, but if it’s become a hoarding issue there may be bigger problems at play. To understand why that is, it’s important to look at what hoarded items can hide.

Home Care Services in Studio City CA: Is Hoarding a Problem?

Falls Are More of a Potential Problem

Falls are always a problem for aging adults, but when there are a lot of items cluttering up her home, your senior may have an even bigger problem. The other potential problem, especially with a large hoard, is that the items themselves can stack up and might eventually fall on your senior. If she’s already got mobility issues, she can easily become trapped by the very items she’s been collecting.

Food Spoilage Is a Common Issue

Lots of people who hoard items also hoard food. Combining hoarding with cognitive issues means that your elderly family member could convince herself that old food is still good to eat because it’s been in her refrigerator. It’s important that someone goes through those older food items and removes anything that is spoiled or otherwise not safe for her to eat.

Pests Can Become an Infestation

When items begin piling up, it’s difficult to clean around, behind, or under them. Those piles can also attract pests, like bugs and rats. Once those pests move in they are difficult to dislodge without the help of an expert. Pests are definitely not the best problem to have, especially if your elderly family member already has breathing issues or other health conditions.

The House Itself Can Develop Issues

With hoarding in place, your elderly family member might not be able to notice structural issues happening with her house. The house might develop water leaks or other problems that can get out of hand very quickly. Until the items are removed, you might not know just what to expect. Some hoarders are shocked to find that the house they thought was in good condition actually needs quite a bit of work to remain livable.

It can be really difficult for your aging adult to get over hoarding. When you start to make headway on some of the belongings she’s been collecting, you might find that your senior tries to fill up that space again. Elderly care providers can help with light housekeeping and tidying, which also gives you a way to know when the hoard might be making a comeback.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Studio City, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.