Have you ever paid attention to your mom’s shopping habits? She has dozens of pairs of sandals, but she insists she needs one more. She has a freezer full of food, but she can’t pass up a deal on ice cream that she barely has room for.
You go through her home, and it’s packed. Her closet is overflowing, her cupboards won’t close, and she still seems to want more. How can you set limits when your mom doesn’t?
Realize This Can Be an Indicator That Something is Wrong
Hoarding is real. It’s a disorder where people cannot get rid of items they don’t need or plan to use. It can indicate that something else is wrong. You need to start by looking into her health.
Sometimes, hoarding develops as a need to fill a void. If your dad died and your mom is lonely and/or depressed, she may purchase too many items to find some level of happiness. It can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. She simply cannot remember what she does and doesn’t have at home.
It’s important to talk to her doctor. Rule out underlying illnesses like Alzheimer’s and depression. Obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety may also lead to her purchasing too much. Her doctor can evaluate her for these mental health disorders.
Create a List Before You Leave Her House
Before you head to a store, have her write out a list. Go through her cupboards and see what she needs. If the list is in her handwriting, she’s less likely to say you deliberately omitted things. While you shop, stick to the list.
If she tries to stray from it, remind her she only has room for these items. If she still insists, explain that she’ll have to make a choice between the item she needs at home and the item she really wants. She may not love being pushed to decide, but it puts the power of the final choice in her hands.
Sneak Things Back to the Shelf
Does your mom suffer from memory loss? If so, you may not be able to stop her from putting extra items in her cart. You can shop as a team. Have one more person, such as a grandchild, join you on the shopping trip.
While your mom is busy looking at the next item, remove an item she chose and didn’t need. That item can get returned to the shelf. It’s unlikely she’ll ever notice.
Keep Her Home Organized
Once her house is organized and clutter is removed, help your mom keep it that way. Elder care aides can come every week or day to clean the home. Plus, your mom has a companion to keep her busy and away from the phone or computer. An elder care representative can help you better understand the pricing and services available in your mom’s hometown.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering elder care in Englewood, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today. Call us at (303) 756-9322.
