May 31, 2024

#142 Physical disability, chronic illness, chronic pain and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

1 hour 12 minutes

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Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

We need to talk about hoarding and physical disabilities, chronic illness, and chronic pain. With the inimitable Dr. Jan Eppingstall, I look at the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions who hoard. From the impact of aging on hoarding tendencies to the struggles of navigating a hoarded space while managing chronic pain, we offer insights and practical strategies for those dealing with hoarding and physical limitations. Join us as we delve into the complexities of hoarding and its intersection with physical health challenges in a compassionate and informative discussion.

The Impact of Disabilities on Hoarding Behaviours

Complex relationship between hoarding and disabilities

Chronic pain, mental health issues, and aging

The prevalence and severity of hoarding in correlation with aging and physical limitations

The challenges of categorising people and their impairments

Gender Disparities and Disabilities in Hoarding research

The association between physical disabilities, chronic illness, and chronic pain with hoarding, particularly among women

The link between autoimmune diseases, common in women, and hoarding

The impact of poverty on disabilities and hoarding

Advocacy challenges for women with disabilities and hoarding behaviours

The need for women to better acknowledge their achievements without feeling like boasting

The significance of functional impairment in the discussion

The importance of persistently seeking medical help despite the gender pain gap and lack of specificity in symptoms

Strategies for individuals to lead a more independent and fulfilling life despite chronic issues

The effects of giving up on seeking medical help on documenting conditions and receiving appropriate care

Managing Hoarding and Disabilities

Balancing function over appearance for hoarders with chronic health problems

The individuals' strong attachment to certain aesthetics and struggles in decluttering due to sentimental attachment

Practical ways to seek help and simplify tasks for people with hoarding tendencies, particularly for those living alone

Strategies for managing household tasks despite limited mobility

The importance of pacing oneself and not pushing beyond physical limits

The impact of spending time outdoors on mental and physical health

Challenges of Aging and Hoarding

Accumulation of belongings over a lifetime, particularly among older generations

Reluctance to part with items due to sentimental attachment and difficulty decluttering with physical limitations

The isolation and loneliness experienced by older individuals in decluttering and organising tasks

Addressing the challenges faced by hoarders with physical limitations, including lifting, fine motor skills, and brain fog

The impact of limited energy and the need for careful prioritisation of tasks

Living with Physical Health Problems in a Hoarded Environment

The physical and emotional challenges of living with physical health problems

Managing disabilities and planning, scheduling appointments, and attending to physical needs in a hoarded space

The increased energy consumption living in a hoarded space

Navigating chronic pain and strategies to manage dehoarding tasks even on bad pain days

Differentiating between tasks that move the needle and those that simply paper over the cracks

Hoarding research shows self-selection bias towards females.

Hoarding increases with age, affecting functionality.

Disability requires more planning and preparation.

Living with physical limitations is never straightforward.

Self-compassion improved my situation.

Avoid pushing too hard, limit activities to 3 hours.

Hoarding and function over appearance for health.

Assessing and adjusting belongings to create harmony.

Study on disability assessments, measuring functional impairment in 6 areas.

Moving away from cause and effect to individual change and vulnerability.

More planning for disability due to brain fog.

People underestimate complexity of physical disabilities.

...more

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By That Hoarder

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