One of our clients, Mrs. Smith is a 78 year old widow.  When we were called in to help her about a year ago, she was in a dire situation.  Her apartment hadn't been cleaned in years and was cluttered with newspapers, old garbage bags (filled with waste), boxes, and other debris.  She had become a hoarder and with her advancing dementia was in a bad state of confusion and fear which made her physically combative and very argumentative.  Mrs. Smith had not had any fluids or food for quite some time as she was underweight and dehydrated.  Her refrigerator was filled with expired, rotting food.  Her apartment was in disarray, very dirty, and required an enormous overhaul.

Mrs. Smith had no children and few relatives.  Her saving grace was a concerned neighbor who called to have someone evaluate her from the town.  Otherwise, if it hadn't been for that neighbor, Mrs. Smith likely would have died in the state that she was in. 

When we assessed her situation we ordered a heavy duty cleaning team to come in and remove the clutter and clean the apartment.  We assigned a live-in caregiver to help organize the home and get fresh food into the kitchen and begin cooking her healthy meals.  We also called to have her evaluated by her physician and a psychiatrist for her dementia and get her on a regimen of medication. 

Today, Mrs. Smith has two caregivers who live-in 7 days a week with her.  She is at a normal weight, has a stable routine, takes her medication regularly, and is in good physical health.  Her dementia has stabilized and she is no longer combative or argumentative.  When we visited her a few weeks ago she was smiling and sharing stories from her childhood, something she couldn't do a year ago.  She still has a lot to live for and look forward to.