My mother has lived in the same house for over 40 years and has accumulated 40 years' worth of “stuff.” When I would come home for visits I would clean up or get things organized just to have everything go back after I left. The clutter was driving me nuts and I needed someone to help my mother tackle the mounds of paperwork, clothes, knickknacks, and other stuff lying around the house, attic, and basement. My mother would be filled with anxiety and not know where to start and just get overwhelmed. Simultaneously, you could tell she was embarrassed/frustrated at times to have us at the house for longer periods because of the clutter.

I got Katie up-to-date on what she needed help with. For my mother, getting started was the hardest part – not only trusting someone to be in her house, but to know this person had her best interests at heart. Katie talked over her plan with my mother and how they would go about setting that plan in motion. Katie has been amazing! They are working room by room. Katie works with her on some days, but then gives her assignments when she is not there.

Katie gives me monthly updates with pictures to show me the progress. I don’t usually bring up the cleaning/organizing with my mother because I don’t want to create extra anxiety, but this week she brought up the fact that she wanted to have some friends over for a BBQ when my sister and I visit this summer. This statement alone brought tears to my eyes. The fact that she wanted to have people over was outstanding. You could hear the pride in her voice and feel her sense of accomplishment. Thank you, Katie, for all you have done in helping her declutter and have a clean home to live in again.
                                                                                                                                                                                               – Brenda J.