Shopaholic habits are not limited to young people. Sometimes the elderly can become the biggest shoppers out there. A sudden increase in the need to shop can be an indication of more serious issues like dementia, or an unhealthy way to adjust to life after retirement. While looking into finances can be a sensitive issue, it is crucial to understand what is driving such behavior before taking steps to deal with it. Here are some tips for helping shopaholic family members.
Find Out The Reasons
In order to decide what to do next, it is best to find out why the family member in your life is shopping a lot. For some, it can simply be a continuation of their habits since they were young. However, for others, if they are suddenly spending a lot, it is an indication of a coping mechanism. Family members who have not been shopaholics in the past may be spending more to feel less depressed, isolated, or restless.
Those who are doing it as a way to deal with depression require more attention as their new shopping habits are an anomaly. Family members may be struggling mentally and using shopping as a form of therapy, but the results can be addictive and destructive in the long term. There is also the possibility of the onset of dementia. Dementia can cause family members to shop excessively without even realizing they are doing it. Their weakened cognitive abilities may cause them to repeat tasks and buy things more than once. Depending on the root cause of their shopping spree, it will help you decide the next course of action.
Decide When to Step In
After you have located the root cause of the problem, it is time to decide when to intervene. When there is a drastic increase in expenditure and bills remain unpaid for a prolonged period, this is when things get concerning. There is more reason to step in if the family members themselves cannot recall when and where they made the purchase.
When you do step in, family members in your life may insist there is no issue, as the money is coming from them and they have the right to spend it however they wish. They may even get defensive and accuse you of wanting to get more of their money by not allowing them to enjoy themselves. This is when help from a third party comes in handy.
Have A Third-Party Help Out
If you suspect that your loved one’s spending habits are the result of deeper mental health or cognitive problem, you can schedule an appointment with a family doctor. This way, a health professional can step in and fully evaluate the loved one’s conditions before deciding on what to do next. If the situation is dire and your family member requires more assistance on a day-to-day basis, you can consider looking into a cozy senior living community that can take care of the family member when you are busy.
Discovery Village At Palm Beach Gardens offers senior living options for those who require more assistance, senior assisted living for those who need assistance in personalized care, and SHINE® Memory Care for those with dementia. Check them out to see if they can meet the needs of your loved ones.
