In 1998, a study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of hoarding behavior in patients with dementia and characteristics associated with it. The study of 133 dementia patients in a geropsychiatric ward revealed that 22.6% of those patients showed signs of hoarding. The patients showed a higher prevalence of pilfering, hyperphagia, and repetitive behaviors. The study suggested that hoarding behavior is a common and complex symptom in dementia patients (Hwang et al., 1998). Hoarding may develop as a secondary symptom to dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association (2012) estimated that 13% of people over the age of 65 develop dementia; from these, approximately 20% display signs of hoarding behaviors. It is important to note that while hoarding
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Older persons who hoard have an increased vulnerability as the severity of hoarding rises. Long periods of hoarding can increase the risk of falls for the elderly. The fear of authorities discovering their home’s condition may result in social isolation. Consequently, needed repairs go untended which often result in hazardous and unsanitary conditions (Kellum, 2012). Additional consequences of hoarding include strained relationships with family members and conflict with neighbors and local authorities. Individuals with severe cases are often involved with legal eviction proceedings. Property damage and buying expenses can also cause severe financial problems for the …show more content…
The professionals work with mental health specialists to guarantee that the individual’s mental health needs are being taken into consideration. Furthermore, agencies have teamed together in several jurisdictions to make sure all the individual’s needs are met (Kellum, 2013). For example, if the case requires Adult Protective Services, the focus is not only on the safety and cleanup of the property but also the needs of the individual are planned for. Regardless of the services provided, the most important part of the treatment is the person. It is essential, during all parts of the intervention that the individual feels supported and
Older persons who hoard have an increased vulnerability as the severity of hoarding rises. Long periods of hoarding can increase the risk of falls for the elderly. The fear of authorities discovering their home’s condition may result in social isolation. Consequently, needed repairs go untended which often result in hazardous and unsanitary conditions (Kellum, 2012). Additional consequences of hoarding include strained relationships with family members and conflict with neighbors and local authorities. Individuals with severe cases are often involved with legal eviction proceedings. Property damage and buying expenses can also cause severe financial problems for the …show more content…
The professionals work with mental health specialists to guarantee that the individual’s mental health needs are being taken into consideration. Furthermore, agencies have teamed together in several jurisdictions to make sure all the individual’s needs are met (Kellum, 2013). For example, if the case requires Adult Protective Services, the focus is not only on the safety and cleanup of the property but also the needs of the individual are planned for. Regardless of the services provided, the most important part of the treatment is the person. It is essential, during all parts of the intervention that the individual feels supported and