It started in the garage, then it moved into the "guest" bedroom. Before long it crept into the kitchen and began slowly moving out into the rest of the house. Now it's taken over, and the older adult who lives there is held hostage. What is it? It's "Stuff." It's "Things I Might Need Some Day." It's Hoarding.

Mrs. S. was always a collector. When the accumulation of trash and treasures grew to the point that she could no longer safely walk to the bathroom or sleep in her own bed her children convinced her to move into a retirement community. Within a year her spotless new apartment was in the same condition.

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If your elder has permitted you to help clear out the clutter, or if you're clearing out an uninhabited house, be careful. Never throw anything away before you have checked it thoroughly.

Check the pockets and shake out every piece of clothing. You may find jewelry, cash or other valuables tucked in pockets, socks or shoes. Leaf through every book for valuable correspondence and money. Look under drawer and shelf liners. Canisters and other kitchen containers can hide valuables.

On a lighter note (whew!) if your elder uses a computer at all, you might find this is a fun alternative to the old solitaire and word find puzzles. The games are deceptive - they start out easy and get progressively harder. But not so much that they're discouraging.

There are several free games at Real Arcade that will give your brain a fun workout. You can download and play together or individually.