How to Manage Hoarding Behavior in a Person with Dementia

Has your loved one’s “waste not, want not” attitude gone a little too far? Are you dealing with the combination of hoarding behavior and dementia in an older family member? Need more help tackling this tough combo? 

The tendency towards collecting can be a normal and natural part of aging. Whether for nostalgic or practical reasons, the behavior might help the collector feel more comfortable and secure about aging. If a memory issue like dementia or Alzheimer’s takes hold, however, the collecting behavior can intensify and become a serious problem, interfering with the ability to live comfortably. 

Dementia on its own is already a lot to handle; adding hoarding to the mix might seem overwhelming. But there are actually a few easy tips caregivers can follow to help manage hoarding in a person with dementia. 

1. Be Kind

Address the issue with calmness and kindness. Hoarding isn’t something the person is doing intentionally, so punishment or anger will only hinder the process. Consider involving other people in the management of the problem or in a clean up so everyone has support in the process.

2. Use Incentives

If you need to go through and get rid of a significant amount of material, offer the person incentives to deal with the challenge. These could include donating items to charity, giving things to their church, or passing down to other family members. Personal rewards for hard work can be effective, too. 

3. Provide Distractions

Whether a major cleanup is necessary or not, to keep things under control moving forward, keep the person busy with active tasks. Activity will lessen the compulsion toward collecting and hoarding. Organization tasks, like sorting and labeling, can be particularly helpful. 

4. Know the Hiding Spots

Don’t try to eliminate collecting completely. Manage it by making sure you know the special places used for hiding so you can occasionally take a look and keep track of the behavior. You can even encourage collecting and storage in certain places, like a unique box or chest, to help control the behavior. 

5. Seek Advice

Make sure necessary doctors are aware of the behavior and ask for advice. This is especially important if you feel the behavior is out of control. Social workers and psychologists can also be a great help with a difficult cleanup or managing hoarding behavior. 

You can help a person for whom you’re providing care manage their hoarding, even when added complications like dementia make it seem impossible. These tips are simple to use and really work!

If you have questions about your options for a loved one in need of memory care in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with your family.