Organizing your Elder

Many older adults fear loss. The income has dwindled, and they do not want to go without necessities. Often their idea of useful means holding onto EVERYTHING.
Families get frustrated, and conflicts arise. Sometimes these people are known as hoarders.
I would say that the majority of homes I enter are cluttered. Grown children do not know how to stop their parents from keeping every bag, box, and leftover. Parents can become angry and ask their loved ones to leave. It happens.

Elders fear loss of friends, loved ones and possessions. The most common claim is memories. Or to pass it on.
Those with dementia or Alzheimer's may not understand why the family feels the need to make changes.

One suggestion might include creating a memory box- I have used Rubbermaid containers for several clients with great success. Ask them what makes the item special, and if they can't remember ask when they used the item. In the event they can't answer either, then keep a box for " donations" - explain that less fortunate could use this item. This week I have a client that has kept wrapping paper and bags for many years- I counted 50+ tubes of half used wrapping paper. the rubber bands had become attached to the paper or disintegrated. Once he understood that others could use this he felt better. " I just don't want things to be wasted".

Clothing is another area that created clutter- and shoes. Often the senior can't use the item because it is difficult to button or zip, maybe it needs repair. Letting the item go means admitting a decline in ability. Allow them to keep their dignity by showing them item that do work, show them that they have adequate clothing and these can be donated or used for rags. Challenge them to think without making them feel"old".

Papers another common item that collects and causes disruption of space.
Make three separate boxes- one for shredding, one for keeping, one for trash or donations. Allow the elder to participate in reviewing the items, often old tax records, newspapers, and mail pile up and take over the tables. Do not expect them to have patience to last all day- this process needs to be done in Small increments of time. Encourage them to show off special items or particular family history.

Make the experience as rewarding as possible, give positive feedback, and remember it may take several "rounds" to eliminate the majority of over- collections.

I am heading to a cluttered home as we speak, he needs to relocate to his family out of state, which means; at least looking at every piece of clutter in the house that he is putting up for sale. I am learning patience through this experience.