All of us hang on to a few sentimental possessions, for which we have no practical use. However, we trim them down to what we have space for, and eventually dump things that once meant so much. But obsessive hoarding has much deeper drivers. We share the hidden secrets of hoarding that often elude family members
Hidden Secrets of Youth – Hoarding in Old Age
The collections of dedicated hoarders become central to their lives, unlike the family photos of our childhood. They provide a sense of belonging, and stability in a changing world. Perhaps this is why compulsive hoarding often breaks out of control after a life-changing event.
Older folk tend to become more isolated as they age, and their relatives and friends fade away. While they were young, social cues from parents, roommates and spouses may have kept their hidden secrets of hoarding in check. But as those social connections diminish, so do their power to control. And so elderly hoarders become set in their ways.
The Covid pandemic, and the social lock down that followed, provided a unique opportunity to research the relationship between compulsive hoarding and loneliness. The connection in this instance was fear and being alone, two emotions common among elderly people living on their own.
The Consequences of Hoarding for Elderly Adults
The Gerontological Society of America believes that older adults displaying signs of compulsive hoarding, “face significant health, safety, and functional consequences”. Problems are quite common relating to the individual’s socialization, health, mobility, community engagement, and well being.
But the accumulation of clutter itself also has personal consequences. These are among the hidden secrets of hoarding many friends and relatives simply do not understand. Hoarded items can obstruct movement in personal space, to the extent that the situation becomes downright dangerous.
This excess clutter can knock on to a range of other problems, including not eating properly, and becoming confused about medication. The possibility of forgetting things like paying household bills for utilities escalates. Locating important documents, for example applying for elderly support, can give rise to anxiety attacks.
The Danger of Compulsive Hoarders Falling
Older people are at greater risk of tripping and falling, due failing balance and general health degrading. Broken bones and head injuries are hardly hidden secrets of hoarding nowadays, as medical aids seek to manage them. The best workaround is using walkers or wheelchairs, although even then there may be no room to move around without tripping.
- Some 80% of people alone in a cluttered home may have substantial movement impairment.
- This can restrict their use of the bathroom, or refrigerator or stove in the kitchen.
- As the clutter spreads further, the older adult has a smaller and smaller living area.
“The trouble with older adults is that the hoarding disorder is exacerbated by issues relating to their age, such as changes in vision, a decline in their energy level, or even the onset of chronic health problems.
“Whereas they were once able to still function with their hoarding tendencies, their age has now made it increasingly hazardous to their well-being” (Hoarding – A Hazard for Older Adults)
When Stigma and Social Isolation Follow
Friends and family who are unaware of the hidden secrets of hoarding that we share here, may reject their hoarder out of frustration. This may be one reason why communication breaks down, although evolving communication technology adds complications:
- The compulsive hoarder may actively discourage visitors, in order to conceal their clutter.
- Family and friends may stop visiting, because of the unhygienic state of the home.
Now You Know the Hidden Secrets of Hoarding
Now you know the hidden secrets of hoarding, the question is what to do next. If the situations we describe here affect you personally, you may feel compelled to take some other action. You manifestly can’t take embedded compulsive hoarding out of a hoarder, but you can help make their home safe again.
This is where Avery Associates may be able to help. We have a home clearance service that we offer to executors of deceased estates. Some solicitors in Greater London and the Home Counties work with us regularly, because we are also professional valuers with decades of experience between us.
Many homes in England where old people live alone, are filled with mementos from the past, and perhaps some 20th century antiques that belonged to their parents. Some have family heirlooms that could represent real value. We don’t promise to uncover wealth, although on rare occasions this does happen.
If you and your compulsive hoarding friend have agreed that it is time to shift their clutter, then please consider using Avery Associates as your service provider. We have a small dedicated team of well trained assistants adept at clearing homes. You will find working with us pleasant, because we believe it is how you do things that matters.
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Help to Understand a Hoarding Person
