Understanding Hoarding Behavior Among Older Adults: A Case Study Approach

Update Item Information
Identifier 2003_Franks
Title Understanding Hoarding Behavior Among Older Adults: A Case Study Approach
Creator Franks, Michele
Subject Aged; Home Environment; Hoarding; Hoarding Disorder; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Mental Health; Harm Reduction; Crisis Intervention; Legal Guardians; Public Health; Case Reports as Topic; Safety; Social Welfare; Quality of Life; Self Neglect; Psychosocial Support Systems
Description Hoarding behavior is an increasing problem among older adults. It creates problems related to personal and public safety, physical health risks and psychological well-being. This exploratory study describes 4 separate hoarding cases in terms of how each case was identified, processed and resolved. Records were obtained from written reports and interviews with representatives of Adult Protective Services, Office of the Public Guardian, and the Salt Lake City Police Department. Two of the cases were single females, one case was a single male and the other case a married couple. All subjects were Caucasian and 61 years old or older. The findings suggest that hoarding behavior greatly impacts the quality of life for the hoarders. It also costs the community precious resources in terms of time and money spent by agencies and others involved in resolving these cases. It is obvious that more research needs to be done to provide a better understanding of this devastating problem. Methods for earlier identification, intervention and treatment need to be developed in order to deal more effectively with hoarding behavior.
Publisher Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Date 2003
Language eng
Rights Management Copyright © Michele Franks 2003
Holding Institution Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Name Michele Franks
Type Text
ARK ark:/87278/s6pg4q0r
Setname ehsl_gerint
ID 179480
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6pg4q0r
Back to Search Results