Today’s blog post is written by Vickie Dellaquila, CPO (pronounced DELL-AQUI-LA) Vickie specializes in working with seniors who hoard. She was born in El Paso, Texas and graduated from Slippery Rock University. She is married and the mother of three grown children. She is a fan of musical theatre and traveling. In her spare time, Vickie enjoys performing in local theatre and will be in her third production playing the part of “Gert” in the play, Lost in Yonkers.
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Compassionate Organizing for Every Stage of Your Life ®
For several years, I have worked with chronically disorganized people, including those who have issues with hoarding and seniors who have decided to downsize and move to a smaller home. The process of downsizing and moving is very difficult for many seniors. In the past few years, I have encountered many seniors who are starting the downsizing process and then discover that they have issues with hoarding. The downsizing process is difficult enough – but hoarding compounds the issue.
In addition, I have been getting more and more calls from seniors who have issues with hoarding and are not necessarily planning on moving. Some seniors have been hoarding for decades and their hoarding has become worse as they age. Some have had a life event such as empty nest syndrome, death of a loved one, or illness that triggered their hoarding tendencies.
Living through the Great Depression and WWII can add problems to those who already have hoarding tendencies. Most seniors who have lived through this time period are very frugal and practical; they do not want to be wasteful. There is a use for every item; it is a great way to think and recycle IF they are actually doing that. Unfortunately, most who have hoarding tendencies, are not.
Below are a few tips if you are working with seniors who hoard:
- If you have a loved one who is a senior and want to help them, talk to them about the idea of helping them to start the de-cluttering process. It would probably be best if an outside party could work with them, such as a Professional Organizer who specializes in hoarding.
- Work in small blocks of time – not only is the decision making process emotionally draining, but physical issues can be exhausting too.
- Try to provide a place for them to sit while working so they don’t get too tired.
- If they have physical illnesses, such as diabetes, they will need a break to check their blood sugar and get something to eat.
- Work on getting some space clearance to make the area safer and less likely they will trip or fall.
- If necessary, serve as a coordinator or project manager for other resources including: Meals on Wheels, a geriatric case manager, department of aging, transportation services, home health care, therapist, and cleaning services.
- Speak slowly when talking to them if you suspect they have trouble hearing and understanding; many people have a tendency to talk too fast.
- If you are working with a senior who hoards, you will also need to be communicating with the family. Keep them abreast of the situation, but remember the senior is your client.
Working with seniors who hoard can be very challenging, but very rewarding once they start to make a positive step to reclaiming their space.
Vickie Dellaquila is a Certified Professional Organizer® and owner of Organization Rules, Inc, located in Pittsburgh, PA. Her company provides senior downsizing, relocation and residential organizing services. She is also the author of the book, Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash-A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize, and Move and the Moving Workbook. For more information, visit www.OrganizationRules.com or call 412-913-0554.
To socialize with Vickie follow her on Twitter, Facebook or connect with her on Linked-In.
