Phoenixville, PA, sets the ideal pace for seniors. Whether it’s a relaxing stroll through Black Rock Sanctuary or a visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park, seniors can always find something to ease their minds.
This sense of peace is fundamental to managing senior memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s. One of the most pressing symptoms to watch for is hoarding. What might appear to be harmless accumulation can escalate to unsafe living conditions, cognitive decline, and significant distress.
Learn how to stop hoarding behaviors with the following tips for senior mental health and memory care support.
Why Seniors With Memory Disorders Start Hoarding
Hoarding in seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s is not simply about disorganization. It stems from cognitive challenges and emotional vulnerabilities.
Several factors contribute to the urge to accumulate and retain belongings.
The first is cognitive decline. For example, dementia disrupts executive functions, including the ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks. Seniors struggle with understanding the reason for decluttering; therefore, they don’t initiate the process.
Seniors may forget the purpose or value of objects due to progressive memory loss. However, they may feel compelled to keep them due to a vague sense of familiarity or past significance.
Dementia, for example, significantly impacts sound judgments about possessions.
Deciding what to keep, donate, or discard becomes an overwhelming task. The capacity to weigh the utility or necessity of an item diminishes. This results in keeping everything.
Anxiety and Security
Tangible objects can provide a sense of stability and security in an ever-evolving world. In this sense, hoarding can become a coping mechanism for seniors. It offers a semblance of control in an otherwise unpredictable reality.
The fear of losing these connections can make it incredibly difficult to part with even seemingly insignificant items.
Compulsive Dementia and Alzheimer’s Behaviors
Hoarding can manifest as a compulsive behavior. Feelings of vulnerability or isolation can also contribute to hoarding.
For example, seniors may be motivated by a fear of scarcity to stockpile food. They may also hide “valuable” items out of a misplaced fear of theft. These experiences can create a lasting belief in the necessity of stockpiling.
How to Stop Hoarding In Seniors
The first step is to assess a senior’s safety.
Caretakers or family members must carefully assess the home for senior safety risks. Common risks include:
- Tripping hazards (caused by clutter)
- Fire risks
- Blocked exits
- Overloaded electrical outlets
- Expired medications
- Accumulated toxic substances
Focus on small, manageable areas in the home. A good area to tackle could be a single drawer or a section of a room. Gradual progress reduces anxiety in seniors.
Involve Seniors in the Process
Whenever possible, involve seniors in the decluttering process. Present choices (in a compassionate way) on what to keep, so you can foster a sense of control and participation.
Be patient with the process.
Expect some resistance or emotional distress from seniors. Avoid rushing seniors who hoard. Offer kind encouragement and reassurance throughout the process.
Specialized Services for Dementia and Hoarding
Consider working with professional organizers or decluttering services that have experience working with seniors who hoard. Perhaps, there is a family member or friend who works in this space?
Experts can offer practical assistance while remaining sensitive to seniors’ needs.
Encourage healthy behaviors by suggesting:
- Gentle exercise
- Calming music
- Time outdoors
Help develop coping strategies for letting go of possessions.
Decluttering and Storage Tips
Begin sorting items into “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” categories. Start with items that are no longer needed or are unsafe, like broken items.
Find safe and accessible storage solutions for items in the “keep” box. Examples include:
- Clear bins (with lids and handles)
- Labeled shelves
- Easy-to-reach containers
Encourage responsible disposal of unwanted items through donation or recycling.
Show Support
Be compassionate; show empathy and understanding. Recognize that hoarding is a symptom of underlying senior anxiety and cognitive changes.
Celebrate small milestones in donating and decluttering. Positive reinforcement can encourage further cooperation.
Model consistency, respect, and patience throughout the process. Open communication helps seniors feel supported and more willing to accept assistance.
How Memory Care Can Address Hoarding in Seniors
Memory care programs cater to the unique needs of seniors with memory disorders.
For example, the predictable daily schedule of a structured routine can reduce anxiety, a common trigger for hoarding. It also fosters a sense of security which reduces the urge to accumulate items excessively.
Memory care environments often have designated areas for personal belongings. These could be:
- Closets
- Drawers
- Memory boxes
Seniors still need a sense of ownership and control as they gradually discontinue hoarding.
Trained staff members assess living spaces for safety hazards. Assistance is often available to help prevent clutter; this may be complimentary housekeeping, for example.
Memory care staff are trained in the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia-related behaviors, including hoarding. They also work closely with families to develop consistent and supportive strategies.
These environments work to minimize triggers for hoarding. For example, if food anxiety is a concern, regular and reassuring meal schedules and access to snacks can alleviate the need to stockpile food.
A supportive and predictable environment can reduce feelings of loss and insecurity. The intense focus on safety ensures that clutter does not impede mobility or lead to fall risks.
Seniors are encouraged to organize their personal spaces, fostering a sense of autonomy. Memory boxes allow seniors to keep sentimental objects, reducing the need to hoard other items.
Promote Healthy Storage Behaviors In Seniors
It’s important to know how to stop hoarding behaviors for the sake of senior wellness.
This journey requires patience, understanding, and a safe and supportive environment. By recognizing the underlying reasons and implementing compassionate interventions, loved ones can foster greater comfort and well-being for seniors.
Spring Mill’s SHINE Memory Care is a valuable resource, providing a structured and supportive setting to meet the complex needs of seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Our team receives ongoing training in the latest memory care methods.
Our community leaders bring nearly 30 years of experience to the senior community. Contact us to learn more about our memory care approach or book a tour of our community to view our amenities in person.
