Senior Health Concern – Hoarding

Author

McKenney Home Care SWFL & MSC

For more information about the author, click to view their website: McKenney Home Care

Posted on

Sep 25, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

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Hoarders, clutterers, pack rats, and collectors are a few terms used to describe people with a lot of items in their home, office, car, storage unit, and maybe overflowing into the yard.  The accumulation of objects can become a safety and health problem, often interferes with daily living and/or violation of housing codes that can lead to eviction or homelessness.  It can be difficult to know if a loved one is truly hoarding or merely attached to their personal possessions.

 According to a study published in Journal of Affective Disorders, about 2.5% of the general population falls into the criteria for hoarding disorder.[1]  Hoarding behaviors often emerge during adolescence or early adulthood, and tend to worsen with age. Hoarding behavior may focus on items such as books, papers, clothing, and even pets.

The reasons why someone begins hoarding are not fully understood according to the National Health Service.  Mental health problems such as depression, psychotic disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been associated with hoarding. Other possible reasons for hoarding may be associated with self-neglect such as living alone, family history of hoarding, and growing up in a cluttered home environment.

Hoarding can create significant health and safety risks for older adults. Clutter can cause falls or fire hazards. The inability to access the kitchen can lead to problems with nutrition and food contamination. Medication is easily lost. In addition, there are infestations of insects and rodents.

Hoarders are emotionally attached to their belongings and lack the ability to set priorities and make informed decisions. People who hoard can comprise their own safety and relationships just because they are afraid to throw anything away. If a family member or loved one is experiencing hoarding tendencies, contact a general practitioner or mental health professional. In many communities, public health agencies can help address problems of hoarding and get help for individuals affected.


[1]  Postlethwaite A, Kellet S, Mataix-Cols D. Prevalence of Hoarding Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2019 Jun. doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.004.

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Non-Medical 871 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice, Florida, 34285

McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment

McKenney Home Care

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McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment

McKenney Home Care

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McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment