Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Your home, your rules!

Cut the food storage off now. It attracts vermin, eventually smells, causes problems with trying to keep everything clean and eventually, when she is gone, the smell will have seeped into the walls and carpet and floor and won't come out.

I know from first hand experience. Not only was I raised by a food+other hoarder (as children we always smelled no matter how clean our clothes were), --it runs in families BTW-- when my hoarder relative lived with us for several years, we believed by keeping it contained to "her" bedroom it wouldn't be a problem outside, but it dropped the house value when we sold the house.

Cut the food storage (and any other smelly stuff) off right now -- even if the ultimatum is to do it or she moves.

FWIW, it is a mental illness. The food is like a safety blanket where the hoarder has control of something when all else is out of control. Check out the site https://childrenofhoarders.com/wordpress/ for more great tips on dealing.
Helpful Answer (11)
Report
MyNameIsTrouble Jan 27, 2024
Words cannot cure the need to hoard because it is as strong as an alcoholic needing a drink and a drug addict needing a fix.

If you cannot move her or she will not move out, a suggestion is to purchase large sealed plastic containers and all food (really, all items) should be stored in the containers with the lids on. This won't stop the hoard but will contain it as it is formed. This process also helps when the hoard needs to be sorted and disposed off.

Good luck.
(5)
Report
YOUR HOUSE YOUR RULES!!!
Number 1 rule should be NO food to be stored in the bedroom.
the last thing you need are mice, and other vermin.
If mom is able to get up, go shopping with neighbors it sounds like she is able to manage. Why is she living with you?
Sounds like you need to have a talk with mom and she needs to begin looking for a Senior Apartment (Long waiting lists so start now) or Assisted Living if she needs some help. Independent Living if she is alright on her own. This could be a Facility with a range of Living options from IL to AL to MC. Or an apartment or condo.

To reply to her "stock answer" it would be I care because it is MY HOUSE and you are to live by MY rules.
Helpful Answer (11)
Report
Beatty Jan 27, 2024
Same #1 rule & answer I gave my teenagers.
(7)
Report
She is living with you just WHY?????
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter