Hoarding Awareness Week 15 – 19 May

We probably all know someone who doesn’t like to throw anything away – but when does hoarding become an issue and what are the real reasons behind it?

Hoarding can actually be a coping mechanism used to deal with a trauma or difficult period in someone’s life and it can be a very difficult condition to break.

Local research shows that hoarding in Orkney is rising but support and advice is available through the Adult Social Work Services on 01856 873535.

Hoarding Awareness Week takes place from 15-19 May and this year’s theme is ‘Innovation and New Approaches’.

The Week is a time for breaking habits and hopefully a reset in people’s approaches.

Phillip’s story

Phillip is a young adult who lives with his mum. Phillip experiences hoarding issues.

A referral to adult social work was made by Phillip’s mum who was very worried about his hoarding and the impact on him, his mental wellbeing and the physical safety of everyone in the home.

An experienced support worker was identified to support Phillip in beginning to identify small, achievable tasks in relation to his hoarding and, with a view to working towards wider goals such as structure and routine to his day, career opportunities and money matters.

The support worker visited Phillip and his mum to get to know them, to build trusting relationships and to agree aims goals for Phillip. By building these relationships, Phillip’s mum was able to open up about their issues with hoarding and cleanliness of their home and, also spoke about some of the feelings involved with this including shame, guilt and embarrassment.

Phillip’s mum provided some background information about how they had found themselves in this situation and spoke of family relationship breakdowns, stress and the death of family members. The support worker provided reassurance, a non-judgemental approach and ensured that Phillip remained in control by working together as a team.

The support worker, Phillip and his mum agreed to fortnightly visits and to support from extended family members. Over a period of time, with Phillip and his mum in control of the pace, the home was gradually made safe and cleaned.  Following this, although Phillip wasn’t ready to look into career opportunities or further learning and training, he did accept advice regarding his money matters and the support worker was able to link him with Citizens Advice Bureau.

After this period of support ended, Phillip’s mum advised that “the support worker gave a lot of support assisting Phillip with help when clearing out his room. She also helped me with any queries that I had”.

Research undertaken in Orkney towards a student’s dissertation was also able to shed some light on hoarding behaviour.

“Hoarding seems to be an increasing issue. Previously we would have hardly any cases that involved hoarding as the main issue, but this is becoming more and more. I have dealt with a few cases myself, but I am aware that the team have dealt with many.” (Social Worker).

Another Social Worker highlighted that trauma from childhood experiences or domestic abuse can lead to hoarding behaviours.

One shared the story of an older person they had worked with. The adult had previously been in an abusive relationship, when the abuse was at its worst the individual would hide in the smallest room of the house. By having lots of belongings and essentially living within a confined space, the individual felt safe.

Depending on the extent of hoarding, this can also impact on the care that can be safely given due to unsanitary conditions and an unsafe environment. Simply moving a person to a new property does not resolve the deeply engrained hoarding issues, and history often repeats itself.

“I will carry out weekly visits for on average two years. Support is drawn to a close when the individual has achieved everything that they want to achieve in their home.” (Support Worker).

If you need help or advice, please contact the Adult Social Work Service on 01856 873535 or take a look at some of these helpful links:

www.hoardingawarenessweek.org.uk www.helpforhoarders.co.uk www.hoardinguk.org www.hoardingdisordersuk.org