Advice

How can I help a person with dementia who is hoarding things?

Question:

My sister has dementia and is hoarding things – she never wants to throw anything away. What can I do to help her?

Answer:

There are different reasons why a person with dementia might hoard things. It could be one of many obsessive or compulsive things that they do, or it may happen on its own.

If it’s possible to figure out what needs or feelings lie behind your sister’s hoarding, you may be able to work out ways to help her.

Keeping things in or out of sight

Having lots of clutter about or hiding things in unusual places can look like hoarding.

Is your sister keeping things where she can see and find them easily?

This might be to help her deal with her dementia symptoms. Could she use see-through storage boxes or cupboard doors instead?

Some people become paranoid or suspicious because of their dementia. They may want things out of drawers and cupboards so they can see and keep track of them. Or they might keep them hidden away so nobody else can get to them. In these situations, it could help to reassure them that their things are safe.

Time-shifting to less plentiful times

Sometimes, people with dementia believe they’re back in an earlier time of their life. This is known as ‘time-shifting’.

Does your sister think she’s in a time when there weren’t enough necessities? 

That might mean she doesn’t want to throw things away, even if it’s out-of-date food.

If so, gently remind her that she has enough at home. Would she agree to you arranging regular deliveries of online shopping? Or could someone go shopping with her to remind her what she has already?

Fixations and the needs behind them

Some people with dementia can fixate on certain items. This may mean they buy the same things over and over again, or visit the same websites to make the same purchases.

If there’s an underlying need behind the fixation, finding other ways to address this need can help.

If your sister fixates on items that comfort her, could you help her to feel comfortable in other ways? This could be about physical or emotional comfort.

If she’s hoarding games or activities, can you help her to feel more stimulated throughout the day?

Control and habit

For some, hoarding objects can be a way to feel they’re keeping some control over their life. If this is the case, gently reassuring your sister might help.

If she appears to be depressed or anxious, speak to the GP about counselling or therapy.

Remember that hoarding might simply be something a person has always done. 

If your sister is continuing a habit from before, are there things that helped her with it in the past? You might need to adapt these to take her dementia symptoms into account.

Keeping the person safe

Sometimes, hoarding can put a person’s safety or wellbeing at risk.

For example, if your sister can no longer wash her hands because the sink is full of items. Or if she cannot get into her kitchen or toilet.

If that’s the case, then it’s important to speak to the GP or social services as soon as you can.