Hoarding in Older Adults

Collecting cherished keepsakes or sentimental items is natural as we grow older. These possessions remind us of special memories, but even small collecting habits can develop into a psychological disorder known as hoarding. Although it can happen at any age, hoarding and seniors is more common. Hoarding can affect physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. If your older loved one struggles with hoarding, there’s hope. Understanding this disorder can help give you the tools to overcome it. Hoarding in seniors is more common than many families realize, and it often develops gradually over years before becoming a visible safety concern. Approaching the situation with empathy and patience is essential, as the items involved often carry deep emotional significance for the individual.

What Is Hoarding?

Hoarding is a mental health disorder characterized by accumulating items and struggling to get rid of them. The disorder affects 2% to 6% of the population, with older adults being the majority. The collected objects often have little value, such as plastic bags, magazines, newspapers, or household supplies. Collecting many things without throwing any away leads to a cluttered home. While this messiness can cause physical hazards for an older adult, the adverse psychological effects can go much deeper.

Hoarders often view these items as sentimental, unique, irreplaceable, or too valuable to discard. They may feel they will need that item in the future or might keep an object to remind them of a time or place. They might even feel safer surrounded by all their items.

What Are the Signs of Hoarding Disorder?

The following symptoms could indicate that your older loved one has a hoarding disorder:

• Excessive accumulation: Hoarders collect and keep many unnecessary or low-value items.
• Difficulty discarding items: Getting rid of these belongings may cause emotional distress. Your loved one might experience anxiety when trying to throw something away.
• Distrust in others: Someone with a hoarding disorder may not trust others to touch their possessions.
• Cluttered home: The amount of belongings might interfere with living space. It causes health risks, especially for older adults with mobility issues.
• Social dysfunction: Hoarding can impact family or marital relationships, leading to social isolation. Some might have financial difficulties because of the disorder.
• Associated behaviors: A hoarder may display indecisiveness, perfectionism, procrastination, disorganization, or distractibility.

Hoarding Disorder Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding what causes hoarding in the elderly — including anxiety, grief, cognitive decline, trauma, and a desire to maintain control — is the foundation for offering compassionate and effective support. In many cases, hoarding behavior is a coping mechanism that requires a thoughtful, non-confrontational response from family and caregivers. Researchers can’t pinpoint the exact cause of hoarding disorders. However, the following may be risk factors:

• Family history: Those with relatives with hoarding disorder may be likelier to have it.
• Related mental illness: Some mental health conditions can increase the risk of hoarding, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression.
• Personality traits: Indecision and impulsive buying habits may lead to hoarding. 
• Traumatic events: Losing a loved one, experiencing a natural disaster, or going through a divorce can trigger hoarding tendencies.

How to Help a Hoarder

When it comes to handling hoarding and the elderly, the most important word is empathy. Judgment or criticism can make your loved one feel worse. Compassion gives an older adult a safe space to accept help. The first step addresses safety risks, including decluttering walkways and removing tripping hazards. If you worry about your loved one’s well-being, consider moving them from their home for a short time. You can also seek support from a private duty home care professional.

Educating yourself about the disorder can help you manage it. Consider contacting a psychologist, support group, or qualified home care professional. Connecting with others who have hoarding experience can be invaluable and help you feel less alone. They can advise you on how to talk to your mom or other loved ones about hoarding. Lean on friends and family during this time.

Reaching out to your loved one can feel overwhelming. You can offer your love and support, but this is their journey to overcome. Managing hoarding disorder takes time and patience, so celebrate even the smallest achievement to motivate your loved one to keep progressing.

How Can Relevar Home Care Help You With Hoarding?

At Relevar Home Care, we understand older adults’ desire to age in their own homes. We also know the stress that caring for an older loved one with a hoarding disorder can cause. Since 2002, we have delivered private-duty home care to older adults. Our professionals provide compassionate care to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. Call us today for services throughout Macomb County, Oakland County, St. Clair County, and Wayne County. Discover how Relevar Home Care can help your loved one maintain health and dignity.