a non-profit organisation, which runs Project HomeWorks. The initiative is aimed at improving the living conditions of the elderly, sick and disabled in one- and two-room rental flats in Singapore.
They deal with two to three cases of hoarding every month, going in to check up on hoarders regularly and respectfully helping them to clear clutter. More resources could be channelled into a similar volunteer-run group dedicated to the issue of hoarding alone.
Hoarders need compassion and understanding to thrive
Clearly, hoarders do not engage in such behaviour with the intention of causing harm to others.
Hence, to help seniors with this condition thrive, we need to approach them with greater understanding and compassion, especially in our attempts to alleviate the poverty, isolation and loneliness underpinning their hoarding tendencies.
The path to helping people overcome their hoarding behaviours is one paved with great care and sensitivity. We can all play a part.
This article has been adapted from an end-of-course assessment: “Ageing in Multicultural Contexts” by Lin Sng Hock, a PhD student in Gerontology with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).