HoweEnterprise.com
January 20, 2020
Learn about your antiques and collectibles with Georgia Caraway Are you or have you been accused of being a hoarder? Several of my friends and I have been Georgia labeled with Caraway this unfair insult. Those of us who own antique shops or are antique dealers protest being painted with this characterization. So how do you differentiate between someone who buys excessive amounts of items for resale and stockpiles them in storage, accumulators of valuable collections, and someone who is suffering with hoarding disorder.
rooms, light odors occur, visible overflowing garbage cans, light mildew in kitchen and bathroom, one is exit blocked, some pet dander and puddles are left unattended, and limited evidence of cleaning.
Hoarding disorder is defined as a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Thus, excess accumulation of items occurs, regardless of the actual value of those items.
5. Rodent infestation, kitchen and bathroom are not usable due to clutter and nonfunctioning toilets and sinks, human and animal feces, and disconnected electrical and or water service
People with hoarding disorder often save random items and store them haphazardly. An estimated 2-6% of our population is strapped with this syndrome, and it often leads to substantial distress, unrest within their family, and living what is considered a normal existence. The condition is more common in males than females, although the television program, Hoarding Buried Alive, portrays more women than men. There are five defined stages to hoarding syndrome that are defined by various levels of disarray: 1. Clutter is not excessive, all doors and stairways are accessible, no bad odors are detectable, and the home is safe and sanitary. 2. Clutter inhabits 2 or more
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3. One bedroom and bathroom is unusable, excessive dust, heavily soiled food prep areas, strong odors throughout home, excessive amounts of pets and thus excessive buildups of hair, dander and feces, and visible clutter outside the home. 4. Sewer backup, hazardous electrical wiring, flea infestation, rotting food on counters, lice in bedding and pet damage to home.
This malady is unhealthy for the hoarder, their pets, and family members. In serious cases, professional intervention may be needed. In less serious situations, gentle encouragement and offers of assistance by friends and family may be all that is needed to clean the clutter. Suggest tackling one closet, room, part of the house, garage or outside at a time. Patience and a plan are important. Remember it probably took a long time to accummulate the litter. Unless there are serious health concerns, give the hoarder time to get accustomed to giving away or selling their “treasures.” Dr. Georgia Caraway and her friends operate Howe Mercantile at 107 East Haning. Coming soon Coulter Collections. We have also opened the pavilion space behind the shop and are offering bargains galore. SHOP LOCALLY!! We can show you Howe!!
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