Basic Decluttering Principles for Seniors

Senior Care in Pacific Palisades CA

Seniors who have lived in the same home for a long time have accumulated a lot of “stuff.” That stuff can range from photographs and memorabilia to what are often referred to as “tchotchkes” or
“trinkets and trash.” But as seniors age, it may be time to take a serious look at what they are keeping, how much they are keeping, and whether it in fact poses a danger to them in any way.

There is a fine line between collecting and hoarding. Collectors search out specific items and keep them organized and as part of a specific collection (i.e. they may collect coins). Hoarders, on the other hand, collect things based on the possibility that it either might be useful later or they develop a strong significance to the item and become unable to part with it. Hoarders may keep things based on connections to loved ones or to help them keep memories alive.

Organized, meaningful collections do not need decluttering. But for seniors who seem to hold onto everything because they cannot bear to part with it, decluttering becomes a necessary task. Overflowing closets and dressers or stacks of items and papers can pose a tripping risk.  It may also make it more difficult to find important documents.

The decluttering process is really quite simple. Everything either has to find a place to be kept, has to be thrown away, or has to be given away. If there is no room to put some things away, other things need to be thrown out. But in order to successfully declutter, you and your senior will need to go through all of his or her things.  It may be difficult for the senior to accept how much stuff has been accumulated. Once it is complete, however, the project will have been worth every minute spent.

If you or an aging loved one needs senior care services in Pacific Palisades, CA, call Livewell Private Care at (310) 933-4986.  Servicing Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.