Support Groups Help Seniors With Hoarding Disorder Overcome Stigma and Isolation

Keywords: hoarding disorder, mental health, aging population, therapy, public health, cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, decluttering

A Small Step Toward Change

A dozen people seated around folding tables applaud as a woman smiles—she has just donated two large garbage bags filled with clothes, including Christmas sweaters and pantsuits, to a local church.

For most, a simple closet cleanout might seem trivial, but for those struggling with hoarding disorder, letting go of belongings is a monumental challenge.

People with hoarding disorder accumulate excessive amounts of items—ranging from household goods to collectibles, and in some cases, even pets. Over time, their living spaces become so packed that movement between rooms is limited to narrow pathways. The condition not only creates safety hazards but also strains relationships with family and friends.

“I’ve had relatives and friends who condemned me, and it doesn’t help,” shared Bernadette, a Pennsylvania woman in her early 70s. Since retiring, her struggle with hoarding has intensified, and she no longer allows visitors into her home.

Hoarding disorder is often misunderstood, with those affected being unfairly labeled as lazy or unclean. Many fear judgment or even legal repercussions, making it difficult to seek help.

Addressing a Growing Mental Health Concern

As baby boomers enter the demographic most affected by hoarding disorder, the condition is emerging as a significant public health issue. Effective treatment options remain limited, and municipalities often bear the financial burden of severe cases requiring intervention. Without increased funding and mental health resources, the problem may escalate into a nationwide crisis.

For Bernadette, hope comes in the form of a 16-week support program offered by Fight the Blight, a Westmoreland County nonprofit. The program, held at a local Masonic temple, combines group therapy with cognitive behavioral techniques to help participants understand and manage their condition.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Treatment Approach

Fight the Blight’s curriculum focuses on raising awareness of the emotional triggers behind hoarding. Participants learn to critically assess their purchasing habits, develop decluttering strategies, and build long-term coping skills.

More importantly, the program fosters a sense of community among those with shared experiences. “You get friendship,” said Sanford, another class participant. After years of isolation and judgment, finding a supportive group makes all the difference.

The Link Between Hoarding and Aging

Studies estimate that hoarding disorder affects about 2.5% of the population, a higher rate than schizophrenia. Once considered a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it was classified as a distinct mental illness in 2013.

Symptoms often begin in adolescence but worsen with age. This is partly due to a lifetime of accumulating possessions, but research suggests age-related cognitive changes also play a role. Declining function in the frontal lobe—responsible for impulse control and decision-making—may exacerbate hoarding tendencies.

“It is the only mental health disorder, besides dementia, that increases in prevalence and severity with age,” explained Catherine Ayers, a psychiatry professor at the University of California-San Diego.

As the U.S. population ages, experts warn that hoarding will pose increasing risks, requiring federal intervention and policy changes.

The Health and Safety Risks of Hoarding

Hoarding can be hazardous, particularly for older adults. Excessive clutter increases the likelihood of falls, fire hazards, and even infestations.

Last year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation highlighted the dangers posed by hoarding, noting that it can hinder emergency responses and put first responders at risk. Local health officials have also raised concerns about hoarding-related mold and pest infestations affecting neighboring homes.

However, immediate cleanouts—where an agency forcibly removes clutter—can be counterproductive. Such interventions may feel traumatic, worsening the individual’s anxiety and resistance to future help.

“It can really disrupt trust and make it even less likely that the individual is willing to seek help,” said Kiara Timpano, a psychology professor at the University of Miami.

A more effective approach is to work with individuals on long-term behavior changes, setting achievable goals for decluttering.

The Challenge of Finding Treatment

Hoarding disorder is difficult to treat, requiring both motivation and sustained support. A 2018 study led by Ayers found that many individuals disengage from therapy due to the long and emotionally challenging nature of treatment.

Additionally, there is a severe shortage of mental health professionals specializing in hoarding disorder. Many communities lack structured resources, leaving individuals with few options beyond crisis interventions or eviction threats.

Policy Changes and Future Solutions

In response to growing concerns, policymakers are beginning to take action. A 2023 report by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging called for increased funding for hoarding disorder research and treatment. Former Senator Bob Casey advocated for expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include evidence-based treatments and mobile crisis services.