How to Deal With a Hoarder Mother
- 1). Understand the disorder. While you may see most of the items that are being hoarded as junk and worthless, your mother sees them quite differently. Try to understand that these items are viewed as special, just as your own special items are. Also, remember that not all hoarders are aware that there is a problem. Just as you may need to come to terms with the disorder, the hoarder may need to come to terms with it as well.
- 2). Offer to help your mother with some light cleaning. While she may be trying to cover up her hoarding habit, she may let you help with small tasks that don't feel threatening to her. For example, she may be okay with you taking out a couple of small trash bags or washing a sink full of dishes. Even small steps like these may improve the sanitary conditions of her home.
- 3). Ask if you can throw away certain items. If you're trying to make headway with the problem, don't throw anything out without getting permission first. If your mother doesn't trust you to not get rid of her prized possessions, she may completely shut you out of her home. Establish trust before diving in and tossing everything in the trash.
- 4). Hire a specialist who will assess your mother's home and speak to her about her habit. Specialists will help to both clean out the space and treat your mother's disorder. Social services may also be able to help, particularly if your mother is unable to care for herself and you're not close enough to help.
