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Most of us define hoarding as a disorder involving excessive saving of items that other people may view as worthless and unnecessary. Does someone you know, and love exhibit hoarding behaviours? Hoarding is different from collecting too many items and can lead to extreme clutter and make a dwelling unsafe.
Risks of hoarding to seniors
When objects clutter living areas, seniors are at risk of a serious fall. First, responders need to access the house in case of an emergency and hallways and entryways free of clutter. Symptoms of hoarding include excessive shopping, keeping stacks of magazines and newspapers, and never throwing them away but instead creating a new pile. Storing items haphazardly also puts dwellings at a risk of fire. Other risks include poor nutrition, if access to a cleanly functioning kitchen is impeded. Hygiene and poor sanitary conditions develop when access to a bathroom, shower or toilet are difficult if not impossible.
What causes hoarding behavior
It is not entirely clear what causes hoarding behaviours in one person and not another; however, an existing disorder can place seniors at risk of developing a hoarding lifestyle. Studies are being conducted to determine the cause of hoarding; however, it is believed that genetics and stress are the possible causes. Generally, hoarding begins earlier in life; however, as a person ages, their ability to cope with the hoarding worsens and the impacts can become detrimental.
How can you help
First, it is understood that a person hoarding places unreasonable value on these items and finds them beautiful and useful. Depending on the severity of the hoarding problem, seek the help of a professional. Therefore, treatment and/or medication are required to manage this disorder. Interventions aim to prevent harm to seniors’ safety.
Encourage being in control of emotions
The problem cannot be resolved simply by removing all items and organizing the household. First, ask how you can help to reduce anxiety. Anxiety can arise from living on a fixed income and fearing going without. Support groups can help in reducing anxiety, shame and isolation. Treatments focus on reducing the need for any excessive purchasing, picking up items for free and stopping behavior. Support and the development of organizational skills and systems will create a safe space for your loved one to ask for help.
Regrettably, up to 40% of elderly individuals do not intake sufficient liquids, while approximately 17-28% of older people suffer from constant dehydration. Dehydration can make you feel sick and worsen existing health issues. It can also elevate your chances of experiencing heat exhaustion and severe health conditions.
What are some indications that you could be continuously dehydrated? Search for the following indicators:
- Darker urine indicates dehydration, while lighter urine suggests proper hydration.
- Kidney problems, like kidney stones.
- Skin that is dry, itchy, or flaky to the touch.
- Regular headaches that occur without a clear reason, commonly in warm temperatures or following physical activity.
- Fatigue without a clear explanation.
- Long-term or abrupt constipation.
- Difficulty focusing or staying attentive.
- Feeling of dehydration in the mouth or throat.
Advantages of Increasing Water Intake
You may be aware that the majority of your body is composed of water, so if you are lacking in this essential element, almost every bodily function will be lowered in efficiency. Here are some important advantages of consuming water:
- It assists in lubricating the joints.
- It aids in producing saliva, preventing dryness and irritation in your mouth and throat.
- Skin that is well moisturized appears more attractive and is not as susceptible to specific skin issues.
- Assisting your digestive system operate, lessening constipation and aiding in regularity.
- It aids in keeping your blood at the correct thickness, simplifying the process.
Suggestions for Seniors to Stay Hydrated
Remaining properly hydrated is a routine, and just like any other routine, it requires time to establish. These seven hydration strategies for seniors can assist in incorporating water into your daily schedule and increasing water consumption in a more pleasurable way.
Drinking water isn’t particularly tasty. If you’re used to drinking juice or soda, transitioning to drinking more water might seem boring. Opting for pure water is always the top choice, yet enhancing its taste can still allow you to reap similar advantages. Attempt the following:
Infuse your water with a small amount of lemon or lime for added flavor. Consider using filtered or distilled water instead. A few individuals may observe minerals present in tap water and find the taste unpleasant. Think about seltzer water, which provides the fizzy feel of soda minus the calories and sugar.
Do not delay until you are already dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration can include fatigue, parched skin and lips, and intense thirst. However, if you wait for these indicators to show up, you will suffer from chronic dehydration. This hinders the ability to reach optimal hydration levels and can negatively impact your health in general.
You have the right to experience good health. Therefore, incorporate water into your daily wellness regimen instead of waiting for dehydration to happen.
Ensuring Safety, Comfort, and Practicality
When seniors are thinking about buying a house, it’s crucial to assess if the property fulfills their present and future needs. Some individuals choose to grow old in their own homes, and elderly individuals should carefully choose the property where they will live during their retirement. Whether seniors decide to stay in their current home or buy a new one, it is essential for the residence to be secure, cozy, and functional in order to support a satisfying lifestyle. What level of activity do you plan to engage in? What kind of assistance do you receive? What kind of schedule will you need to engage with other people? What is necessary for your emotional wellbeing?
These are some questions to think about when deciding between aging in place, moving, or exploring retirement home possibilities.
When buying a home as an elderly person, it is important to think about certain aspects, like:
Lighting for inside and outside spaces
Various kinds of lighting fixtures are crucial; they are key factors that older home buyers need to consider. A home that is excessively dark can present a notable safety hazard, especially for elderly individuals who need sufficient lighting. Lack of adequate lighting can turn something as basic as a pair of shoes on the ground into a difficult barrier, highlighting the importance of having a well-lit indoor space and ample windows for natural light to illuminate the area.
Open floor plan
It is usually more difficult to navigate in smaller spaces, particularly if a house has narrow hallways or sharp corners. Having a open floor plan is perfect if there are concerns about mobility or if a family member uses a walker in the house. Although many individuals prefer Bungalow-style homes, they can be hard to find and expensive in major Canadian urban areas. Nonetheless, it is easier to reach and more cost-effective in smaller urban areas. Individuals who prioritize Aging In Place may choose to remodel for a more spacious layout or opt for a Condo-style property. on the ground level to avoid the elevator and enjoy a ground floor patio, which is perfect for a family pet.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
As we get older, the chances of slips and falls increase, making it essential to consider slip-resistant flooring when assessing different homes. Expertise in senior real estate is specialized, and a well-informed agent can help you find it because they understand its importance. This could include tiles that prevent slipping, vinyl, or surfaces that improve the grip between the floor and the foot.
Carpeting and rugs can pose a safety hazard if they have too much friction or if their corners are curled or surfaces are slippery.
Toilet Height
Shorter toilets pose risks and are not easily reached by individuals in wheelchairs. Senior real estate agents will search for raised toilets, and if they are not found, replacing the toilet is a low-cost project that can be done.
Grab Bars or Handrails
The majority of falls happen in one’s own residence, therefore older individuals should think about adding grab bars or handrails to reduce the risk of accidents. This is particularly crucial in slippery sections of a household, like bathrooms or spaces with stairs. It is simple to install grab bars and handrails.
Easy-to-Grab Doorknobs
A large number of elderly individuals struggle with joint stiffness or arthritis, leading to a lack of popularity for round doorknobs. Doors with levered handles are more convenient to grip and open and should be included in the house.
Location is crucial. The importance of location cannot be overstated.
The location of your home plays a crucial role in Seniors’ Real Estate as it will impact your future lifestyle significantly. Many elderly individuals favor living near their children and grandchildren, and it’s important to also take into account the nearness of important amenities such as supermarkets, medical centers, and leisure activities. Transit or specialized transportation services should also be considered.
Loneliness and Isolation
As we grow old, our surroundings evolve. Neighbors relocate, neighborhoods transform, and it feels like our social circle is shrinking. This represents a crucial aspect that must be considered by seniors and their families.
People downsize for several reasons. Most people cut their costs by moving to smaller dwellings. You can save money on utilities, home repairs, and property maintenance. Some people want a simpler lifestyle with fewer chores to provide more time for the things they enjoy. Others moved from a multilevel home to a one-level home because the stairs became problematic. I have had clients who downsize to live closer to friends and family members. Medical concerns and conditions that require constant medical attention may require moving to a retirement community for better access to full-time care.
Downsizing occurs in these steps. The first step to downsizing is to decide which pieces of furniture and personal items will be going with you to the new home. Most of us have storage rooms and basements or garages filled with items that we must dispose of when moving to a smaller dwelling. Most items can be donated or sold if they no longer serve a purpose.
The timing for downsizing is different for everyone; however, planning for downsizing is better than being rushed off because of a life change or health change. Try and move before it becomes necessary. Below are a few tips to get you started on your journey by downsizing to a better lifestyle.
Start with a plan and a deadline
It is recommended to create a plan to prevent becoming overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. A list will help to keep you focused on and on track to meet your goals. In most cases, the process of getting organized should begin a year before the move.
Decide where you will be moving
It is best to decide where you are moving. You need to know the amount of furniture and personal items you will have space for. It may take some time to find a new home that will meet all of your requirements and preferences, and you could be faced with a waiting list.
Sort and pack by category or room
Sorting, packing, and disposing of items will take more time than you think. If the tasks of packing and lifting are too difficult, one can employ the services of a packing and moving company. It is best to start with items you will use every day, such as clothing, books, collectibles, and sentimental items. If you move from a 3 bedroom and 2 bath home to one bedroom and one bath home, you will have many duplicate items to sort through and decide what to keep.
Prioritize problem areas
Areas such as the garage, attic, and rec room will have items that you will not take to the new home. These areas should be prioritized. Sort these items by giving them away to family, friends, or donations. Broken items are discarded. Moving items to a storage locker will only delay dealing with the additional items. As you declutter, allow yourself the time to go through your belongings and enjoy the memories that are associated with these items.
At least 3 months ahead of move
Determine your move in date and schedule and confirm with your mover. If you are moving to a building with an elevator, you may have to book it for a moving day. A change of address will be required with Canada Post for any company with routine billing, bank, doctor, or any other people who will need to know where you have moved.
Stay focused on the positive upcoming changes
Change is difficult for everyone, so try and stay focused on the positive improvements this move will make in life. Think about all the extra time you will have to enjoy more of your days doing what you want.
When you go to work every day, you see familiar faces and have the opportunity to socialize. Socializing keeps the mind active. Then comes retirement, and we no longer see those familiar faces, our routines change, and we lose contact. Many seniors see solitude as a wall that separates them from the outside world, leaving them helpless and imprisoned in a meaningless life.
It is essential to the emotional and mental well-being of seniors to spend time with others, as it helps prevent depression. If a senior is already depressed due to ill health, mobility issues, or the death of a loved one, spending time alone worsens depression.
Maintaining a network of healthcare professionals, friends, family, and neighbors can help break the cycle of solitude. Meaningful relationships help nurture positive feelings about oneself and boost self-esteem.
Seniors suffering in solitude may be overwhelmed by negative emotions and experience anger or sadness, feeling neglected or rejected, or even misunderstood by others. It is not uncommon for seniors to experience anxiety over feeling like a burden on others or feeling vulnerable because of diminished capacity or ill health. The loss of a driver’s license due to cognitive or physical decline or lack of public transportation can make seniors feel worthless and dependent on others.
Coping strategies for change
Let us now discuss some coping strategies. Some seniors become more active through gardening, if physically able, and others volunteer to care for animals. Joining a book club, bowling team, or another social pursuit gives you something to look forward to regularly. Planning to regularly get together with family and friends for lunch or dinner.
Retirement and assisted living facilities provide socialization, even for those with mobility issues. Crafting and singing are also fun social activities for seniors. Online chat forums and Facebook are great places to reunite with long-lost friends. If you are unsure how to join some of these online social activities, ask for the help of a friend of a family member and enjoy participating in an online community.
Many seniors are happy and healthy aging in place, but they encounter physical and/or health challenges that can interfere with independent living. Depending on the level of assistance required for daily living, a full-time caregiver may be necessary.
Family members often provide support; however, full-time or part-time caregivers may be required when constant care is beyond their availability. Caregiver assistance can help to monitor health issues and medical conditions.
I will discuss several factors to assist in determining when the right time to hire a caregiver and how to hire a caregiver to suit the needs of a loved one.
Time to hire a caregiver
Professional advice by a Doctor
If a doctor states that it is no longer safe to live at home without constant care. If declining health is a concern, there is a risk of fall, injury, and illness. A caregiver can maintain senior safety while reducing the risk of illness.
Declines in daily activities and appearance.
A sure sign of difficulty performing daily activities is a change in appearance, such as disheveled dressing and not bathing regularly. You may also notice a decline in household cleanliness and organization. Hiring a caregiver can help ensure that they receive the support they need.
Basic steps in hiring a caregiver.
Create a list of services required.
Long before you write a job description for the person you want to hire, you need to know what services are needed. If you are unsure where to start, ask a geriatric specialist or doctor to create a list of services that are needed. A clear job description is essential for assistance such as transportation, housekeeping, and medical assistance.
Hiring through an agency or independent contractor.
It is advisable to thoroughly research the pros and cons of using an agency or an independent contractor to meet caregiving needs. Many factors influence your decision, such as expenses, flexibility, and the risk of liability to yourself and others while attending to your needs.
It is likely that you will have contracts to sign when hiring a caregiver and as with all contracts, it is advisable to have a lawyer review a contract to ensure that your best interests are being attended to.