When Too Much Is Never Enough:
Understanding Senior Hoarding 

Caring for an older loved one is hard enough, but when hoarding enters the picture, the job becomes exponentially more complex. Senior hoarding isn’t just about clutter. It’s a deeply emotional behaviour with serious health, safety, and relationship consequences.

From blocked exits and fall hazards to social withdrawal and refusal of home care, hoarding can significantly compromise a senior’s quality of life. For carers, it often triggers feelings of frustration, helplessness, and fear – especially when the person refuses help or won’t acknowledge the problem. 

What Hoarding Really Means

We all hold onto things from time to time – a favourite jumper, old photos, or that drawer full of “just in case” cables. But hoarding goes well beyond that. It’s a recognised mental health disorder marked by a compulsive urge to collect and an inability to discard items, even if they’re broken, spoiled, or useless. 

Many older hoarders don’t see their behaviour as a problem. They may insist their items are valuable, sentimental, or could come in handy, and panic at the idea of losing them. 

The Hidden Triggers Behind Hoarding 

For some older adults, hoarding is linked to cognitive decline (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s). For others, it’s a way to cope with: 

– Grief and loss (e.g. losing a spouse or moving house) 

– Anxiety or depression 

– Isolation or trauma 

– A condition called Diogenes Syndrome, often seen in older people, which includes hoarding, self-neglect, and social withdrawal 

Understanding ‘why’ our loved one is hoarding is the first step toward helping them.

What Carers Are Up Against

Hoarding can make care physically and emotionally challenging. You may struggle to: 

– Clean or move safely through their home 

– Get support workers or nurses into the house 

– Provide adequate hygiene, food, or medication 

– Prevent serious health risks like fire, vermin infestations, and falls 

Emotionally, it can feel like your loved one chooses ‘thing’ over ‘people’. This can fracture relationships and leave carers feeling rejected and resentful — especially when you’re just trying to help. 

What Not to Do

As tempting as it is to throw out the junk while they’re out, forced cleanups often backfire. It can cause: 

– Deep emotional distress (think: grief-level sadness) 

– Severe breakdowns in trust 

– Re-hoarding (often worse than before) 

No matter how frustrating it gets, don’t remove items without consent or professional guidance.

 

How to Help Without Making Things Worse 

1. Start with Compassion, Not Judgment 

What looks like rubbish to you may feel like safety to them. Try saying: 

“I know these things are important to you. Can you help me understand why?” 

 
2. Get a Medical Check-Up 

Hoarding may be a symptom of something bigger. Ask your GP to assess for dementia, depression, or other conditions. 

 
3. Introduce Therapy Gently 

Psychologists trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help address the root cause. Medicare rebates may apply. 

 
4. Go Slow and Celebrate Small Wins 

Start with easy clutter. Even throwing out two items is progress. 

 
5. Set a “Safety First” Standard 

Reframe the conversation: “Let’s just make sure you don’t trip over anything getting to the bathroom.”

When to Call in the Pros

You don’t have to manage this alone. If you’re concerned for your loved one’s health, safety, or mental wellbeing, reach out to professionals who understand: 

– Start with your GP – request an assessment and mental health care plan 

– Call My Aged Care (1800 200 422) – they can arrange in-home assessments and services 

– Contact Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) – for counselling, respite, and peer support

Helping someone who hoards isn’t about throwing things out. It’s about understanding the emotions buried beneath the clutter. By approaching with empathy, persistence, and the right support, you’re doing something incredibly powerful – restoring safety, dignity, and connection.