Hoarding Disorder in Older Adults: Challenges and Resources

Hoarding disorder disproportionately affects older adults, according to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. While about 2 percent of the general population struggles with accumulating too many objects, hoarding impacts over 6 percent of people aged 65 and older. A 2024 Aging Committee report sheds light on hoarding’s negative effects on elders, as older adults who hoard can experience a worsened quality of life.

What Is Hoarding?

Hoarding is an excessive amassing of possessions which leads to a level of clutter that often makes it difficult for those affected to use and maintain their residences. Hoarding is distinct from collecting  in that collectors focus on a category of item, which is often proudly displayed, while those who exhibit hoarding behavior or have hoarding disorder (HD), a mental health condition, tend to have a variety of possessions that may cause embarrassment. Hoarders will often struggle to keep their homes clean and accessible.

Mental and physical health problems often underlie hoarding behavior. Approximately two-thirds of people with HD have at least one other chronic and severe medical condition as well as another psychiatric condition.

Many people with hoarding disorder struggle to see its negative effects on their lives. For these individuals, decluttering can be an extremely distressing experience, and they may become distrustful of people who try to help.

Hoarding’s Adverse Effects on Older Adults

Older community members who experience hoarding can face significant challenges. In addition to worsening a person’s quality of life, hoarding can lead to isolation, loneliness, and housing problems.

When objects crowd a home, living conditions can become unusable and unsafe. As items pile up, older residents can encounter problems using their homes. For instance, according to one study published in the journal Health & Social Work and cited in the Aging Committee report:

• 80 percent of older adults experiencing hoarding struggled to move about their homes,
• 70 percent could not sit on their sofa, and
• More than half could not access the kitchen to make food.

Aging exacerbates the dangers of hoarding. Changes with vision, cognitive abilities, and energy levels, as well as chronic health problems, can make hoarding more hazardous. Cluttered homes also put seniors at an increased risk for falls. They may be unable to use a walker or wheelchair inside their residences.

Treatment and Resources

Today, treatment plan options for hoarding disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, support groups, workshops, and, in concert with therapy programs, medication. Research on other potential interventions, including virtual reality therapy, is ongoing.

When trying to discuss hoarding with someone who has HD, approach the conversation with empathy. Start by expressing your concern for their well-being rather than focusing on the clutter itself. Use “I” statements, such as “I am worried about you staying safe,” to avoid sounding accusatory. Encourage open dialogue by asking how they feel about their living space. Do your best to listen actively, validate their feelings, and show compassion. Offer support and suggest seeking professional help together. Remember, patience is key, as change takes time and understanding. Having HD is not a choice, so avoid placing any blame on an individual with this disorder.

The following resources can provide support for older people who hoard and their family members.

• Helping Elders Live Productively (H.E.L.P.) is a free education, counseling, and referral resource for older people and their families. H.E.L.P. offers a referral service for those experiencing hoarding, connecting them with legal services, mental health assistance, and support groups.
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) encompass local public and private nonprofit organizations serving older community members. Certain organizations offer hoarding assistance; find an AAA in your community.
• Hoarding Cleanup is one more resource for those who would like help finding cleaning companies, storage and recycling services, and more. Search for available resources in your state via the website.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.