Around one in every 40 Americans lives with a hoarding disorder. For families with aging loved ones, this can raise questions about the line between collecting vs hoarding, and when clutter in aging becomes a real concern.
At Addington Place of Lee's Summit, we often hear from families who aren't sure how to approach the subject. Our senior living community, conveniently located in Lee's Summit, is designed to give older adults a safe, comfortable community to enjoy their golden years, without the stress that can come from overwhelming clutter.
In this blog post, we'll explain the difference between collecting and hoarding, what warning signs to look for, and how supportive environments like ours can make a positive difference. Let's get started.
On the whole, collecting is a common and enjoyable hobby for many older adults. It involves gathering items that hold personal meaning or interest, such as:
These collections are usually well-organized and often displayed with pride. For seniors, collecting can be a way to stay mentally active and emotionally engaged. It can also bring a sense of purpose and routine to daily life.
Many collections reflect a person's interests, memories, or life experiences. For example, someone who loves travel may collect souvenirs from different countries, while another person may collect vintage records as a reminder of their youth. Collecting can also provide social benefits, giving people something to share and talk about with friends and family.
In most cases, collecting remains a healthy activity. The items are kept in good condition, and the collection doesn't interfere with daily living. Instead, it brings joy and personal fulfillment.
Hoarding is a pattern of behavior where a person has trouble letting go of possessions, even if the items have little or no value. Over time, these belongings can pile up and create cluttered, unsafe living spaces. In older adults, hoarding can lead to serious risks, including:
It may also cause isolation, as the person may feel ashamed or overwhelmed by their living situation.
Aging and hoarding awareness is important because hoarding behaviors often become more noticeable or severe with age. Some seniors may begin hoarding after a major life change, such as the loss of a spouse, a move, or a decline in health. Others may have struggled with hoarding for years, and the condition worsens over time.
Unlike collecting, hoarding is disorganized, excessive, and stressful. It affects daily routines, personal hygiene, and safety, making it important for families to understand and address early signs.
While collecting and hoarding may look similar at first, there are clear differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help families support their loved ones in a healthy way.
Collectors usually focus on specific types of items, such as postcards, antiques, or model cars. These items are often displayed neatly and cared for. Collecting brings joy, encourages conversation, and does not interfere with daily living.
Hoarding, on the other hand, involves holding onto a wide variety of items, often with no clear purpose or organization. The person may feel anxious at the thought of throwing anything away, even broken or unusable objects. Over time, the clutter can:
In short, collecting is organized and meaningful. Hoarding is overwhelming and disruptive. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward helping a loved one stay safe, healthy, and comfortable in their home.
Hoarding in seniors can develop for several reasons, and it often goes beyond simply collecting too many items.
One common cause is emotional loss. After the death of a spouse or close friend, some older adults may begin holding onto belongings as a way to cope with grief. These items may feel like a connection to the past or offer a sense of comfort.
Another reason is memory loss. Seniors with early signs of dementia or other cognitive changes may forget what they own or why they're keeping it. This can lead to confusion, repeated purchases, and an inability to throw things away.
Some seniors may also have a history of going without. If they lived through times of hardship, like post-war years, they might struggle to part with anything that seems useful or valuable.
Finally, hoarding can sometimes be linked to anxiety or depression. In these cases, the behavior may grow slowly over time, making it harder to recognize until the problem becomes serious.
At Addington Place of Lee's Summit, we understand how overwhelming it can be for families to see a loved one struggle with hoarding. That's why we offer personalized support through both memory care strategies and assisted living guidance. Our team is trained to recognize early signs of hoarding behavior and respond with compassion and respect.
For residents with memory challenges, we use proven memory care approaches that help reduce confusion and promote calm, structured routines. When clutter becomes a concern, we gently help residents organize their space in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them.
In our assisted living program, we work closely with families to create personalized care plans. If hoarding is an issue, we help guide conversations and find solutions that meet each resident's needs while protecting their well-being.
Above all, we offer a caring environment where residents feel supported, not judged. Our goal is to help every senior enjoy a clean, safe, and stress-free home.
In summary, knowing the difference between collecting vs hoarding can help families take the right steps to support their loved ones. At Addington Place of Lee's Summit, we offer a safe, welcoming environment with personalized care and a strong focus on daily well-being.
Our unique approach combines thoughtful support with engaging activities to help each resident feel at home. If you've noticed signs of hoarding or are simply looking for a supportive senior living option, we're here for you.
Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour of our Lee's Summit community.