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The collection of newspapers, magazines, old clothes and other items may cause fires while animal hoarding can spread contagious diseases. It
is estimated that older adults represent a significant number of people
who hoard.
|
 | Items are perceived as valuable |
| items provide a source of security |
| Fear of forgetting or losing items |
| Constant need to collect and keep things |
| Obtaining love not found from people |
| Fear others will obtain their personal information |
| Physical limitations and frailty |
| Inability to organize |
| Self neglect |
| Stressful life events  |
InterventionHoarding is recognized as both a mental health issue and a public health problem. It is typically not an immediate crisis. The hoarding behavior usually has been occurring for a long time and hasty interventions will not resolve it. in addition, interventions without the older adult's cooperation can lead to the development of dangerous behaviors. Careful assessment of the individual situation is essential for a successful outcome.
Therefore, it is recommended that intervention
be collaborative involving the older adult, family and other
agencies, i.e. mental health, adult protective services, code enforcement,
building & safety, animal control and criminal justice.
Tips |
DO contact the older adult face-to-face |
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DO use a soft, gentle approach and let the older adult tell his/her story. |
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DO treat the older adult with respect and dignity. |
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DO respect the meaning and attachment to possessions by the older adult, which may be as intense as human attachment. |
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DO remain calm and factual, but caring and supportive. |
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DO evaluate for safety. |
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DO refer for medical and mental health evaluation. |
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DO go slowly and expect gradual changes. |
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DO reassure the older adult that others will try to help and work with him/her. |
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DO involve the older adult in seeking solutions. |
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DO
work with other agencies to maximize resources. |
 |
DON'T hospitalize unless there is a clear plan for what this is to accomplish. |
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DON'T force interventions. |
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DON'T be critical or judgmental about the older adult's environment. |
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DON'T use the older adult's first name unless he/she gives permission. |
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DON'T press the older adult for information that appears to make him/her uncomfortable. |
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DON'T make negative, teasing or sarcastic comments. |
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DON'T
talk about the older adult to others as if he/she is not present. |
Vignette -
Hasty InterventionNegative results can occur when interventions are not carefully planned with a group of professionals with hoarding knowledge.
Mr. Y was an 82 year-old male widower living
at a friend's house. Mr. Y began collecting and hoarding tools, parts and
other equipment. The living space became so limited they slept on chairs.
The family called the police for assistance. Eventually, several agencies
were independently involved with the family. The lack of collaboration
allowed the family to order dumpsters and discard the items. After his
possessions were thrown away, Mr. Y was arrested because of the rage,
anxiety, and delusions he developed.
Vignette
- Planned InterventionIt is recommended that intervention be collaborative involving the older adult, family and other agencies.
Ms. X was a 96 year-old female with poor
vision. She lived alone with dozens of cats, dogs and parrots. In
addition, some dead cats were found in the freezer. The house was filthy
and foul smelling. Ms. X had several pending citations with heavy fines, a
house lien and faced possible jail time. A mental health assessment
uncovered that Ms. X suffered from isolation, significant depression and
moderate memory loss. After several weeks of building a relationship, a
geriatric mental health professional, in coordination with the other
agencies, developed an intervention plan. Ultimately, Ms. X received the
support needed to feel safe enough to agree to have the house
professionally cleaned and in keeping with laws and regulations, she kept
8 animals.
Resources |
Department of
Mental Health - ACCESS Center |
|
Adult Protective
Services |
|
Infoline |
|
Self-Help and
Recovery |
Websites |
Randy
O. Frost - Hoarding researcher |
|
The
Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation |
| The
Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium |
Recommended ReadingsDamecour, L. & Charron, M.
"Hoarding: a Symptom, Not a Syndrome."
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 1998
Frost, R. & Hartl, T.
"A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Compulsive
Hoarding."
Behavior Research and Therapy, 1996
Patronek, G.
"Hoarding of Animals: An Under-Recognized
Public Health Problem in a Difficult-to-Study Population."
Public Health Reports, 1999
Thomas, D.
"Hoarding" Eccentricity or Pathology:
When to intervene?"
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1998
Questions & CommentsYou may contact the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Older Adult Services Division at:
(213) 351-7284
ReviewersNorma D. Thomas, DSW, LSW, ACSW, President and Co-Director - Center on Ethnic & Minority Aging.
Jonnae Ostrom, LCSW - Orange County, California
AcknowledgementWe would like to thank the Los Angeles County Department of
Mental Health Older Adults System of Care Committee. It was through
their continuous leadership and dedication this fact sheet was developed.
The Fact Sheet was first printed in May
2001. This page was last updated on July 28, 2004
.
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