“Casey Unveils New Report Detailing the Heartbreaking Effects of Hoarding Disorder on Older Americans,” reads the headline of the July 2 release from Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). The report is the resulting work of research by Majority Staff of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, including responses to a request for information from the Committee.

LeadingAge coordinated a response based on feedback from members, including housing providers and other service providers in the community. As highlighted by the report and the feedback LeadingAge offered to the Committee: hoarding and the amassing of items is the result of a complicated mental health condition that leads to compulsive collection without commensurate purging.

Many hoarders cite trauma or loss as triggering or causal reasons, while clinicians draw connections to depression and social isolation. The report concludes with recommendations to multiple federal agencies aimed at increasing support to local communities, improving data collection, and recognizing the needs of people with hoarding disorder. LeadingAge is proud of and grateful to the industry-leading insights offered by members and mentioned in the report.