Seniors and Hoarding
No one likes a dirty home where belongings are chaotically piled on top of each other like at a flea market. Unfortunately, retirees are particularly susceptible to this kind of hoarding. Seniors can turn into hoarders when they fill every inch of free space in their home with old junk because it “might come in handy one day.” Holding on to useless items like this can create obstacles in the home, which increase a senior’s chance of tripping and falling. Dirt and dust build-up and other unsanitary living conditions also carry serious health risks.
Hoarding tends to worsen with age. Excessive hoarding increases the likelihood of seniors being physically injured in the home. The inability to maneuver around items can cause serious falls or other injuries, and messy homes can also block emergency workers from reaching a senior in need. In addition, hoarding can be a sign of a serious medical condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
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 across 50 senior facilities. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs.
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.