I haven't dared watch that yet. I know her poor son has tried. He got her a new fridge because there was spoilage issues with her ancient one. It still was sitting on the outside porch because only she can clean out the old one and clear the path. She is fiercely independent and gets super pissy with anyone that tries to help with anything. She has an incredibly busy and full life and is rarely at home, which was surely how it all started. But at this point it has been quite a number of years since people have been able to go there.
The only leverage I think I might have is her 4 yo grandson. She worships him and spends loads of time with him. Of course all time is spent at his house. I'm hoping that she figures out that he is going to want to visit Nana at some point. Of course eventually her excuses for always doing things at other people's houses should get tiresome for her you would think.
Like the rest of the family and friends, I have always ignored it. None of my family (except me) are neat freaks. Clutter and dishes and all that doesn't faze me in other people's houses at all. Whatever, I go to see the people, not the tops of their counters! But her living conditions are well past that point. Unhealthy. It upsets all of us, even the messiest members of the family.
I have been doing a bit of much needed holiday cleaning today. My house looks like we are only slightly hoarder-y now. Needs more work is what I am saying, but for now I've switched over to the also necessary grading.
Yipes, Laura. The Hoarders show went out of its way to humanize the subjects, even as the process of clean out stressed them -- very few of the people were unsaveable.
(Interestingly, it turns out that the sense of 'disgust' can be destroyed/modulated by brain damage -- for instance, Parkinson's can make you totally lose that visceral feeling entirely. That's not all hoarders' problem, of course, but it does give you a feel for how complex the problem is.)
Yes, hours in the day issues are real with house cleaning. It was A LOT harder with kids around.
I probably should watch some of the Hoarders shows just to prep myself some. If she would let anyone help I think it would be her sisters. My other sister would help too, but I don't think I can get her up there in the winter. I totally get being overwhelmed.
Every time we have this conversation I go looking for things to get rid of.
yes I was just thinking I need to go through a basket or two ( my clothes are in baskets )
Would it be uncouth of me to donate Hubby's old pants to the food & care coalition if they're a bit ragged on the hems? Or have small, ancient stains? These are good sturdy shirts and pants, and the thrift store would just throw them out.
edit: I wish I'd thought of the shelter when I got rid of his coats.
I successfully recycled electronics this morning! I need to box up my old TiVo so I can take it in next time it's reasonably convenient.
What I've been trying to do is focus on small areas and declutter during commercial breaks for TV and period breaks during hockey, and trying to be ruthless. Ongoing, but low effort.
I do need to dig deeper into closets and under my bed.
