Hoarding: Keeping the Clutter at Bay
Hoarding is an issue that we have addressed before on our blog (See our February 3, 2009 post, entitled, “Hoarding and the Elderly.)” This post stresses the importance of ensuring that seniors have a safe, clutter free environment to get around.
I recently read an online Psychology Today article on hoarding that some of you may find of interest. The article entitled, “Everyday Junk: The Clean Sweep” explains that “we use the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in decision-making, information processing and behavioral organization, to determine just what ‘supplies’ are worth hoarding. In a small percentage of cases, hoarding may be the result of damage, such as a stroke, to the prefrontal cortex.
For most, however, hoarding is the reflection of anxiety, sometimes raised to the Nth degree of obsession and compulsion. In such instances, it vastly pathologically, overcapitalizes on the virtue of saving.”
Please visit the online article for their detailed list (complete with explanations) for keeping your home clutter free. The high-level list is as follows:
- Let go of nastalgia
- Share the wealth
- Uncover the real problem
- Adopt the in-out rule
- Avoid the “I will fix it someday” trap
- Avoid the “I will use it someday” trap
- Streamline your space
- Make a priority list
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Comments
Unfortunately its probably a civil matter not theft or trespassing ..
If the mother wanted to she could press charges of theft and/or trespassing if the dd came in without permission – however if she ever gave dd a key that could be used in court as tactic permission ..
I am not a lawyer but this is my opinion.
I also think the dd needs to do this with mom’s permission .. Maybe ask for some of the items she thinks is valuable for memories sake ie family items and have mom write or tape info about the item for the family .. Attached the letter or tape to the item and put on shelf at moms for her – then maybe she would be able to release the item to other family members
A piepan with recipes from great grandma and mom can be a treasured item later
Question: If a senior owns a home in arural area and the outside looks well kept, can a relative just step in and go thru the hoarding senior’s belongings. The police were called, but didnt make her daughter leave because she did do some clearing out, but all the while going thru the senior’s things. The lady is a miser and I’m sure there’s a goldmine to be stolen. Dont seniors have right? She is lucid, takes care of herself, is just a chronic hoarder. The cops said that the health dept. can board the place up. She doesnt hoard animals, just stuff.