By Amber Merten
March is here and with it comes spring cleaning, a time to start fresh in ones home. But for some aging adults, one issue that subtly surfaces is excessive clutter. It may be unnoticeable at first— stacks of newspapers, overflowing closets, rooms that become difficult to walk through. Over time, the concern grows… is this just clutter or something more?
Hoarding behaviors often begin earlier in life and intensify gradually. As people age, those longstanding habits — paired with life changes like loss, retirement, or declining mobility — can make clutter more severe and harder to manage.
Why Hoarding Behaviors May Increase with Age
While hoarding disorder can affect people of any age, research shows that rates tend to be higher in older adults, especially people aged 55 and higher.
Some factors that contribute to hoarding tendencies in older adults include:
• Lifetime accumulation: More years means more belongings.
• Emotional attachment: Deeper sentimental ties to possessions.
• Life transitions: Retirement and relocation, can trigger emotional retention of items.
• Cognitive and physical challenges: Difficulty organizing, making decisions, or physically sorting items can worsen clutter.
• Social isolation: Fewer visitors means risks go unnoticed for longer.
Clutter vs. Hoarding Disorder
Not all clutter means hoarding disorder. A home may simply be disorganized due to limited energy, mobility challenges, or lack of help. True hoarding disorder is a recognized psychiatric condition with persistent difficulty discarding items and intense distress when trying to do so.
Why It Matters
Clutter and hoarding behaviors can create significant safety hazards, especially for older adults at home:
Nearly one-third of people aged 65 and older fall each year, and environmental hazards — like cluttered walkways — are major contributors.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related healthcare visits for older adults, often resulting in fractures, hospital stays, and reduced independence.
Homes overwhelmed with possessions reduce clear walking paths, block emergency exits, increase fire risk, and can be unhygienic— making everyday activities unsafe.
How Caregivers Can Help
Hoarding behaviors are rarely about laziness or stubbornness. They are often rooted in fear, grief, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Approaching the situation with criticism can damage trust and make progress harder. Instead caregivers can:
1. Always ask permission before removing items.
2. Declutter in a safe, respectful way. Start with safety first (clear walkways, organize high traffic areas) then move to another area and practice organizing and sorting skills.
3. Companionship during difficult tasks. Make sure to offer emotional support, not ultimatums.
4. Coordination with family and other care providers
5. Involve professionals when needed.
Creating a safe, accessible home is possible long term with patience, understanding, and compassion.
At Synergy HomeCare, we believe every home tells a story. Our role is to help ensure it remains a safe place to live, age, and thrive. Give us a call today for more information on how we can care for your family this spring.
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