Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk Seniors who hoard

No one likes a dirty house, where stuff is chaotically piled on top of each other just like in a flea market. The situation isn’t helped by the fact that retirees can turn into ‘hoarders’, filling every free space of their home with old junk because ‘it might come in handy one day’. Many older folk tend to hold on to useless items that may become room obstacles, which increase their chance of tripping and falling. Dirt and dust buildup and other unsanitary living conditions may also have serious health consequences.

Hoarding tends to get worse with age. Excessive hoarding increases the risk of seniors becoming physically injured. The inability to maneuver around items can cause a serious fall or injury. A very messy home may block emergency workers from reaching a senior in need. Hoarding could also be a sign of a serious condition like or dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.