Hoarding

Hoarding is described as the collecting of belongings to the point that it interferes with living and relationships.  My mother hoarded after my father passed away.  She had had a few mini-strokes (TIAs) and it may have damaged the center of her brain in which decision-making took place.  As a result, she grew more and more cluttered and more depressed.  She apologized every time we visited because there was not a surface on which to sit or eat.  In the end, we moved her to an assisted living center where she was able to remove herself from the clutter.  She felt better immediately and we helped by monitoring her small apartment to make sure it stayed under control. Continue reading →