{"id":1073,"date":"2021-03-24T15:17:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-24T19:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carehop.ca\/?p=1073"},"modified":"2021-09-28T19:49:27","modified_gmt":"2021-09-28T23:49:27","slug":"can-hoarding-behaviour-in-seniors-be-dangerous","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carehop.ca\/fr\/blog\/can-hoarding-behaviour-in-seniors-be-dangerous\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Loved One Hoarding…or Collecting?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you know a senior who has accumulated possessions over some time? Has their collection become overwhelming, taking up a large part of their home and posing a risk to the person\u2019s health and safety?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If so, you might be wondering if their items are just regular clutter, or a sign of hoarding..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies have shown that 6% of people aged over 55 are impaired by hoarding<\/a>, which is much higher than the estimated average of 2 \u2013 4% across all age groups. Research has also indicated that hoarding habits increase as people get older, although it can be unclear why hoarding occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is hoarding?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoarding is the tendency for someone to save items that family and friends view as worthless \u2013 or even garbage. People who hoard seem to have difficulty parting with objects, which poses risks for people of all ages, especially seniors. The result is a cluttered home that can significantly impact the quality of life of older adults<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consequences are more pronounced if the senior has mobility challenges, as their risk of becoming injured from tripping or falling is increased. Also, exiting the home in an emergency is tricky if walking paths are obstructed. If medical assistance in the house is required, hoarding may hamper health responders from providing help in a timely fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out-of-control clutter also creates a significant fire hazard and negatively affects hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the difference between collecting and hoarding?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collecting and hoarding are two different things, and it\u2019s essential to make the distinction before we attempt to draw any conclusions about the person\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whereas hoarding involves holding on to all sorts of different items and storing them haphazardly, collecting is a more focused activity. Collectors look for specific items, such as records, stamps, memorabilia, model trains, or other sets of objects. People who collect things display them with pride, keep them clean and organized, and don\u2019t let collectibles interfere with the health and safety of their surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you may know someone with a basement full of porcelain dolls. Even if they seem to be everywhere, they\u2019re part of a collection and not necessarily indicative of a hoarding disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing a hoarding disorder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s crucial not to try to diagnose a hoarding disorder on your own but rather seek out the help of a doctor who specializes in mental health. They will explore the symptoms that suggest hoarding behaviours, if needed. Some of the symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n