Hoarding is a complex and often misunderstood psychological health condition that can impact the lives of older people and their families. Cluttered living spaces commonly linked with hoarding pose significant challenges for the affected, which is why it’s essential to address these issues with empathy and effective support.
Catholic Healthcare is committed to providing hoarding and squalor support in NSW, ensuring our clients can regain control of their homes. We will explore hoarding disorder, how to spot the signs and where to find the support you or your loved ones may need. For more information on how Catholic Healthcare can help with hoarding call now on 1300 931 638
Understanding Hoarding Disorder
For many people, it can be difficult to differentiate between simple clutter and the initial signs of hoarding disorder. When clutter leads to the person’s inability to use their home, it is identified as hoarding. Hoarding is a psychological health condition that is characterised by a compulsive acquisition of possessions and having difficulty parting with these items. This can eventually lead to cluttered and unsafe living conditions. Some signs of hoarding disorder can include:
- Being unable to discard items without feeling distressed
- Continually bringing items into the home
- Losing control of one’s living environment
- Feeling embarrassed about your current situation or attempting to hide living conditions from others.
For more information on how Catholic Healthcare can help with hoarding call now.
Where To Find Support
For older people and their families who are facing challenges related to hoarding, finding the right support is essential. It is important to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, and we encourage open communication and discussion when it comes to finding solutions. Thankfully, Catholic is an aged care provider that has years of experience in helping individuals who are living with the effects of hoarding and squalor. Our support services include:
1. Hoarding & Squalor Program
As part of our Assistance With Care And Housing support available to people aged 65 or over, we can provide a completely tailored assessment and care plan for those living in squalor. This plan can include Catholic Healthcare’s Home Care Services, such as deep cleaning and rubbish removal, decluttering and organisation, as well as specialist or ongoing assistance.
2. Peer Support Declutter Group
Catholic Healthcare’s declutter groups can provide you with strategies to help part with items and opportunities for you to share your experiences with individuals who may be in a similar situation without fear of judgment.
3. Tailored Psychosocial Support Program
Catholic Healthcare is committed to fostering a supportive community with highly trained teams that can provide the best in psychosocial and general mental health support. We can provide individuals with 10 one-on-one sessions that focus on providing support, mentoring, and building the necessary skills to regain control of their actions and living environment.
Buried in Treasures Program
Buried In Treasures is our award-winning support program that is designed for older adults who are currently struggling with hoarding tendencies. It is an online hoarding support group where individuals can receive in-depth training and support to assist with letting go of things that are no longer needed and preventing further accumulation of items. The group environment also allows participants to connect with others who understand and face similar situations, fostering a supportive and respectful outcome.
The Buried in Treasures Program runs for 15-weeks over video chat, with the option of home visits from a care worker who can help implement what you’ve learnt. We also offer three targeted programs that focus on specific parts of the course for those unable to attend the full duration or are looking to review a certain topic in detail.