There are so very many challenges that come with aging, and many of them stem from how the individual deals with his or her own mortality. As the physical body fades and death approaches, it is natural for a person to experience anxiety, which can manifest in a number of ways. If the person is afraid of letting go, one of the problems that can arise is a tendency to hoard possessions.
According to Dr. April Benson, a nationally known psychologist who specializes in the treatment of compulsive buying disorder, “Letting go reminds [the elderly] that they are closer to the end of their lives and many older people want to hold on.”
This can be a very difficult issue for a caregiver to work with, as severe hoarding is not only a problem for the particular individual, but can become a public health issue. But trying to clean up the home of a hoarder can result in extreme anxiety for that person.
“Explaining that letting go does not always signal loss but can also mean making space for something, is a good way to ease anxiety,” suggests Dr. Benson.
However, a simple explanation is generally not enough to solve the problem. According to an article at socialworkblog.com, Is Hoarding A Big Deal?, dealing with hoarding can be quite difficult, requiring a multifaceted approach:
Effective treatment is likely to require a variety of interventions, such as the use of medication, modification of faulty beliefs, assistance with organizing and decision-making, and examination of emotional attachment and behaviors that promote hoarding.
If you are the caregiver to a hoarder, it is essential that you take steps to deal with the problem, but you will also need to exercise patience and keep a few important things in mind. Begin with an attitude of respect, recognizing the hoarder’s attachment to their possessions as a factor in their sense of identity. This will allow you to avoid being openly critical with the individual. Don’t force the issue, but discuss the situation with the hoarder and try to find ways to work together over a period of time to declutter and clean up the environment.
Work on getting rid of the items that pose the greatest safety and health hazards first. Once this is accomplished, then you can focus on items within the home that may have a resale value, and have them appraised. If the hoarder sees that his/her stuff has a monetary value, this can motivate him/her to be willing to sell it.
In extreme cases, it may be necessary to work with other agencies or organizations, hire a housekeeper, or bring in a social worker or other professional trained specifically to deal with hoarders.