By Tracy Nowicki, Director of Elder Services
Hoarding: The Hidden Dangers for Older Adults
Staff at the Chelsea Senior Center often receives calls from property managers, landlords, and residents seeking assistance with hoarding issues. I’d like to recount an experience the Chelsea Senior Center staff had with this matter. However, before I delve into our firsthand experience, it’s important to remember that trust is crucial when dealing with hoarding. We had a unique opportunity to assist one of Chelsea’s well-known community residents with hoarding. I say unique because, as many of you may know, dealing with someone who hoards presents numerous challenges, particularly on a personal level, as it often involves letting go, which is not easy.
Due to the Chelsea Senior Center’s ability to establish personal connections with our older residents, we were able to earn his trust. We were the only people he would allow in his home. This task was far from simple. We first reached out to several agencies for assistance, but he refused to engage with anyone. From decluttering companies to cleaning services to social workers and beyond, he remained our amicable yet stubborn hoarder. After countless unsuccessful attempts and an eviction process in place, the staff at the Chelsea Senior Center did the extraordinary… we zippered up the hazmat suits, pulled up the full arm-length gloves, yanked tightly on the hood strings, tightly wrapped the sneakers, and charged into his home like the freedom fighters of Braveheart! We cleaned house!
Caution tape across his door would have been appropriate! We encountered odors we never knew existed to the extent our eyes watered. We witnessed a variety of bugs and mice frolicking together like kids in a playground. We discovered several types of molds forming in his packed refrigerator. This process stretched over several days, with our friendly yet stubborn comrade constantly over our shoulders, screaming, “Don’t get rid of that!” or “I want to keep that!” or “Leave that alone!” Whenever he was not following, we discreetly stuffed the trash bags; he never knew what was missing. We often reflect and share a chuckle at this experience, yet know how very real and personal this problem is for many.
In the cluttered corners of many homes occupied by older adults lies this silent hazard. While often dismissed as a harmless quirk, hoarding poses significant risks to the lives and health of seniors. This column shares our personal connection with this problem, and explores the detrimental effects of hoarding on older adults and highlights the importance of intervention and support.
Hoarding disorder, characterized by the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, affects individuals of all ages. However, it tends to become more prevalent and problematic in older adults, particularly those facing life transitions such as retirement, loss of a loved one, or declining health. As belongings accumulate, living spaces become increasingly cluttered, obstructing mobility and functionality. Additionally the profound consequence for the physical, emotional and social well-being of older people.
Cluttered living environments provide breeding grounds for pests, mold, and bacteria, increasing the risk of respiratory problems, infections, and other health issues. Tripping hazards pose a significant threat, leading to falls and injuries, which can be especially dangerous for older adults with limited mobility.
Shame and embarrassment often accompany hoarding behaviors, leading to social withdrawal and isolation. Older adults may avoid inviting friends or family into their homes, fearing judgment or criticism. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression, further compromising mental health.
Piles of clutter obstruct pathways and block exits, creating fire hazards that jeopardize the safety of older adults. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or medical crisis, clutter can impede first responders’ ability to provide timely assistance, putting lives at risk.
Addressing hoarding in older adults requires a compassionate and multi-faceted approach.
Educating older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the signs, symptoms, and consequences of hoarding can facilitate early intervention and support.
Encouraging older adults to seek professional help from mental health professionals specializing in hoarding disorder is crucial. Collaborating with community organizations, such as Mystic Valley Elder Services, and Chelsea Elder Services (the senior center) can assist in navigating ways to support our older adults with access to resources in decluttering, housing modifications, and other ongoing support.
Engaging family members and caregivers in the intervention process is essential for fostering understanding, empathy, and support. Open communication, empathy, and patience are key when addressing hoarding behaviors in older adults, ensuring that interventions are conducted with dignity and respect.
Hoarding in older adults is far more than a clutter problem, it’s a complex mental health issue that can be successfully improved. Recognizing the risks associated with hoarding and advocating for comprehensive intervention and support, we can protect the health, safety, and dignity of older adults, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives in clutter-free environments. Empathy, understanding, and collaboration are essential in addressing hoarding and promoting the well-being of older adults in our communities.
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 617-466-4377.