Young folks aren’t the only ones that indulge in shopping. The elderly might sometimes be the most zealous shoppers. A sudden surge in the need to shop could be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia, or it could be an unhealthy method of acclimatizing to life after retirement. While delving into finances can be a touchy subject, it’s critical to understand what’s driving such behavior before taking action. Here are three suggestions for assisting family members who are shopaholic seniors.
Allow a Third-party to Assist You
You can make an appointment with a family doctor if you feel that your loved one’s spending habits are the consequence of deeper mental health or cognitive problem. This allows a medical practitioner to intervene and thoroughly assess the loved one’s condition before deciding what to do next. If the situation is critical and your loved one requires additional support on a daily basis, you may want to check into a comfortable retirement community that can look after your loved one while you are away.
Decide When to Intervene
It’s time to select when to intervene when you’ve identified the problem’s core cause. When spending increases dramatically and bills go unpaid for an extended length of time, things become concerning. If the family members can’t remember when or where they bought anything, there’s even more cause for intervention.
When you do intervene, family members may argue that there is no problem because the money is theirs and they have the right to spend it however they choose. They may even become defensive and accuse you of trying to take more of their money by preventing them from having fun. This is when a third party comes in handy.
Discover the Causes
It’s best to figure out why a family member in your life shops so much before deciding what to do next. For some, it could simply be a continuation of their childhood patterns. Others, on the other hand, may be exhibiting a coping method if they suddenly spend a lot of money. Family members who have never been shopaholics may be spending more in order to feel less miserable, lonely, or restless.
Those who are doing it to cope with depression need to be watched more closely because their new shopping habits are unusual. Family members may be experiencing emotional difficulties and turning to shopping as a kind of therapy, but the outcomes can be addictive and damaging in the long run. There’s also the potential of dementia developing. Family members suffering from dementia may shop excessively without even recognizing it. Due to their reduced cognitive capacities, they may be prone to repeating chores and purchasing items multiple times. Discovering the fundamental cause of your loved one’s purchasing spree will assist you in determining the next course of action.
TerraBella Harrisburg is a Stress-free Retirement Community
TerraBella Harrisburg offers two excellent senior living options for those who want additional assistance. Memory Care is for adults with dementia, while Senior Assisted Living is for those who require specialized care. Learn more about them to determine if they can meet the needs of your loved ones.
