It was my pleasure to speak this morning to seniors, social workers, nurses and caregivers who attended our 3rd installment of Waxter Wisdom, a series of discussions covering some of the most challenging financial, medical and emotional issues facing aging adults and people with disabilities.
Since the program launched in December, we've already held frank
conversations on end of life planning and healthy sex. Today’s discussion was
on a topic that we once assumed was a rarity, but actually plagues as much as
five percent of Baltimoreans: hoarding.
Thanks to the popularity of the A&E reality television show, hoarding
has become quite a hot topic. By now, many of us have seen how cleaning crews
are called in because the shame and sheer weight of accumulated papers, books,
clothes and even trash has overwhelmed the person living inside and they need
to literally dig their way out.
Physical challenges, dementia
or Alzheimer’s, and difficulty managing years of accumulated memories all place seniors at much greater risk
for hoarding. As we become less mobile or able to manage daily household chores,
stacks of papers, books or treasures can quickly form a dangerous obstacle course around the home,
creating fire hazards and limiting the family’s movements – as well as hindering
emergency workers’ ability to get inside in a crisis.
But we cannot ignore one additional, very important risk
factor that compounds each of these challenges: social isolation.
As we age and physical or mental challenges arise, it’s
quite easy to become depressed and isolated, losing interest in leaving home or
inviting friends and family into our lives. And research shows that people who
live alone – who are either widowed or never married – are overrepresented
amongst those who suffer from hoarding.
It’s easier for seniors who are isolated to hide the
confusion and feeling overwhelmed by a growing hoard – it’s also much tougher
for them to get help.
And so, today, I urge us all to check on an elderly neighbor
or relative. If someone in your life needs help sorting through collections,
organizing memories, or just managing daily tasks, the following resources
might be useful:
- Children of Hoarders: www.chidrenofhoarders.com
- Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation: www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding
- National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization: www.nsgcd.org
- Clutterers Anonymous: www.clutterersanonymous.com
Also, our new directory of health and wellness resources for older adults, caregivers and the disabled in Baltimore City and County includes information on
local mental health professionals and other support.
Some of us might know someone
– or even be someone – who struggles
with clutter and has trouble throwing things away.
But through forums like
Waxter, we can learn about important resources and support to help our friends
and loved ones before cherished memories become a hazard.
Take Care, B’More.
