This public education presentation is to bring awareness to the dangers of hoarding for seniors,

2. 1. Identify and define hoarding and hoarding
behavior.
2. Understand the dangers related to hoarding.
3. Implement behaviors to prevent fire and loss of
life.

4.  Is the excessive collection of items, along with the
inability to discard them.
 This can include items as well as animals

5.  Those most likely to be hoarders
- older people
- unmarried females who live alone
- symptoms occur in 1/3 of OCD patients
- is a common symptom of dementia patients
 Estimated 6 million people, 1 in 20 affected

6.  Health hazards
- medications can get lost in the clutter
- dust and mold can exacerbate lung problems
- insects and rodents
- difficulty getting a stretcher into home
- trip hazards

7.  Fire hazards
- obstructed means of ingress and egress
“ If you can’t get out the fire department can’t get in”
- unplanned load on structural supports of house
- heavy fire load (more fuel for the fire)
- piles could fall over due to the fire or hose streams
trapping you

8.  No access to maintain smoke
alarms
 More fuel more smoke
 Larger fire increases chance of
fire spread to neighbors home

9.  Difficulty categorizing possessions
 Difficulty making decisions
 Remembering where things are

10. Cognitive-behavioral
Therapy

12.  Show empathy.
 Don’t argue.
 Respect autonomy.
 Remind individual of personal goals and values.

14. FIRE:
a rapid oxidation process with
evolution of light and heat in varying
intensities.

15. FLAMES
HEAT
SMOKE

20. If you
smoke, smoke
outside.
• use deep, sturdy ashtrays
• fully extinguish ashes
• never smoke in bed

21. Give space
heaters space.
• keep 3’ away from
anything that can
burn
• unplug when going
to bed or leaving the
house

22. Stop, drop, and roll.
• stop (do not run)
• drop gently to the floor
stop drop
• roll over and over or back
and forth

24. Smoke alarms
save lives.
• install outside each
sleeping area, inside
every bedroom, and
on each level
• test monthly
• replace batteries

25. Plan and practice
your escape from
fire.
• know 2 ways out
• ensure
windows/doors open
easily
• get out, stay out

27. Keep walking areas clear.

28. Look out for
yourself.
• have annual eye
exams
• keep your home well
lighted
• use nightlights
• turn on lights before
using stairs

29. Beware of
uneven surfaces.
• use only rugs that have
non-skid backing
• stairways should have
handrails
• stairwell should be
clearly lit from the top
and bottom