Hoarding and squalor are two different conditions. Sometimes they overlap in a person’s life and home.
Hoarding disorder is a mental illness.
Squalor refers to an unsanitary living environment. It may be the result of extreme domestic neglect or hoarding.
What?
Hoarding disorder is where a person has persistent trouble in letting go of items regardless of their actual value. A descriptive phrase called ‘Buried in Treasure’ has come into use which respectfully describes the condition.
Measure
A measure of hoarding disorder is when the amount of stuff a person keeps, has taken over their ability to use their home for its intended purpose.
Hoarding behaviours are complex and the person living with that condition often experiences shame and isolation. Experts strongly counsel against forced interventions by family members or others, as it re-traumatises the person living with Hoarding disorder.
Help
There are declutter groups and support groups online. “Buried in Treasure” 15-week online course is free and available, and in some locations, provides personal support. In-person assistance for people living with Hoarding Disorder may be available for people who qualify for CHSP supports.
- Catholic Healthcare - Hoarding Squalor Support Services.
- Catholic Healthcare - Buried in Treasures Hoarding Support Program
- Buried in Treasures: Hoarding Support Program YouTube video.
- This video link made in New Zealand lets AJ tell her story about living with Hoarding Disorder.
- Australian Carers Guide article - Senior Hoarding, understand the emotions to find solutions.
- WayAhead article and fact sheet on Hoarding Disorder.
- Anxiety Treatment Australia - Hoarding Help and Treatment.
The reference below is prepared by Blue Mountains LGA in New South Wales and gives a good overview for measuring squalor and the dangers to a resident.
Older Australians who face challenges that can lead to homelessness such as hoarding behaviours may receive assistance through the CHSP program.
Care Finders
The Care Finder program is part of My Aged Care supports and is available through the Primary Health Care Network (PHN) can help in providing links with health professionals, local government, and service provider assistance in an area near you.
One of the primary goals is to provide ‘assistance with care and housing’ including those at risk of homelessness due to hoarding and squalor.
See Care finder organisations by State and Territory here.
