DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOARDING, COLLECTING AND CLUTTER?

So your home tends to be on the disorganized side. There’s a stack of newspapers and magazines in the corner waiting to be read, dishes are piled high in the sink and the closets need a serious purge. Does that mean you’re a hoarder? Not at all.

Hoarding disorder occurs in an estimated 2-6% of the population and is three times more common among older adults 55-94 years than adults 34-44. According to the Area Agency on Aging, there are distinct differences between clutter, collecting and hoarding:

Clutter
Possessions are disorganized and accumulate around living spaces but there’s no major difficulty with acquiring or discarding possessions. You can carry on normal activities in the home.

Collecting
New items are part of a larger, specific set of items. Displays don’t impede active living areas in the home.

Hoarding
Possessions, many of which would be considered worthless, are excessively and haphazardly saved and become disorganized piles of clutter. Living and work spaces are obstructed and unable to be used for normal activities. The motivation to display items is lost. In extreme cases, floors are covered with items, grime, pet and rodent waste, mold is present, and household appliances, plumbing and HVAC systems are not functional.

To learn more about hoarding or if you know someone who is a hoarder, visit the Arizona Hoarding Task Force website, http://azhoarding.com.

 

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