Hickory – Have you accumulated a lot of things over the years and are having a hard time deciding what to discard? Are you having trouble walking through your home without tripping over bags? Do you choose not to cook because of piled up dishes and pans? Do you avoid inviting friends and family to your home to keep them from seeing the piles of clothes, boxes, trash and more?

A person who hoards experiences stress or anxiety when they think about getting rid of something. He or she may not think there is a problem at all. Older adults especially acquire items that they don’t need. The urge to save everything is strong and the hoarder cannot decide what to do, so he or she does nothing. If you or someone in your family is a hoarder, join the Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team from Vaya Health on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. Team members will help you get started towards giving up the stuff. They will give you tips and tricks to help the hoarder in your family, or help you make the first steps towards getting rid of the clutter. Contact hours for professionals and students are available upon request at the program.

The program is open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. You may register online at http://hickorync.gov/content/library, click on Library Events and choose the Hoarding program to reserve your seat. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd St. NE on the SALT Block. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.