Tips for Managing Hoarding Disorder

Tips for Managing Hoarding Disorder

It is not uncommon for us to visit elderly clients who have a persistent difficulty in parting with possessions, including those with no value.  Almost all of us will have some clutter or untidiness at home, but in extreme cases, where all (or parts) of the home become unusable, this can be a sign of a mental health condition known as “hoarding disorder”.  Such excessive hoarding can pose a fire risk or create unsanitary conditions for the client and/or our visiting carers. 

The root cause of hoarding disorder is unknown, but there is undoubtably a link with dementia.  Clients living with dementia commonly show anxiety and confusion.  They can struggle to organise their lives and, in some cases, accumulate great piles of clutter.  Growing emotional attachment to certain objects may be apparent, possibly due to a desire to maintain their sense of identity and control.

Excessive hoarding can create serious challenges for caregivers and family members.  It may be difficult to access all or part of the home.  And where access is possible, it may be difficult to navigate with multiple trip hazards.  Effective cleaning may become difficult if not impossible.  Like us, some readers may have experienced frustration trying to address hoarding behaviour, as your loved one (or our client) resists and becomes agitated during any suggested decluttering.

Supporting clients (or loved ones) with dementia, requires a compassionate and patient approach.  We need to remain mindful hoarding is not simply a matter of stubbornness or laziness, but is a common habit due to the cognitive and emotional challenges posed by dementia. 

When helping with decluttering, first and foremost, we take care to maintain our client’s sense of control and dignity.  We involve them in small steps to make gradual improvements.  Any removal of items is limited to those necessary to eliminate safety and health hazards.  Some clients enjoy rummaging, and this can be made a productive activity.  Getting agreement to dispose of items can be easier where the client understands the item will be given to a charity, church, family member, etc.  We recommend removing any discarded items immediately as clients may later rummage through waste bins and bring the item back into their home.  Lastly we consider ways to reduce more clutter accumulating such as junk mail (by placing a sticker on the letterbox).  Clients can also reduce catalogues and junk mail by opting out on www.dmachoice.org and www.catalogchoice.org.

Call Us Today for more information on managing hoarding disorder or if you, or your loved one, needs more help at home.