Imagine walking into a family member or friend’s home and being assailed by mountainous piles of newspapers and magazines; boxes stuffed with paper and plastic grocery bags; kitchen counters running over with groceries, dishes and household supplies; and laundry strewn on every flat surface. There is barely enough space to squeeze into the living room – where the sofa and chairs are loaded with such an assortment of items that it appears you have discovered the leftovers from a garage sale.

Welcome to the home of a hoarder.

Only in the past few years have researchers begun to study compulsive hoarding, also known as hoarding disorder, which is defined as “a pattern of behavior that is characterized by excessive acquisition and saving of items that have little or no value and an inability or unwillingness to discard these objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment.”

This condition is prevalent in up to five percent of adults, with symptoms usually appearing in childhood and worsening with advanced age. People who experience depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appear to be more susceptible.

Hoarding is much more than a visual assault. This behavior is associated with physical and emotional health risks, impaired functioning, financial strain and social isolation. Being the caregiver of a hoarder presents a unique set of difficulties. Normal activities such as preparing meals, housecleaning, and assisting with activities of daily living become more challenging. The risk of poor hygiene, falls, and even fires increase when extreme clutter is pervasive.

Compulsive hoarding is more complicated that just being extremely disorganized. There is an irrational, emotional attachment to the accumulated objects. Even though nonfunctional items may hijack functional living space, a hoarder experiences anxiety just thinking about removing his possessions. Obsessive fears – such as worry about running out of an item or needing it later – prevent logical decision-making. If the caregiver attempts to bring some order, the loved one may respond with suspicion, accusations of theft, or by rummaging through the trash to see what has been discarded.

If you are caring for someone who exhibits this behavior, is there a light at the end of the tunnel or should I say, “a floor under all those piles of possessions”? It is possible, though not necessarily easy, to tackle the years of accumulation and create a degree of order out of the chaos.

You should start by consulting with your health care provider and being absolutely honest about the degree of the behavior. Ask for resources. You may be referred to a mental health professional or other expert who is qualified to give guidance. Research has shown that an orderly environment will help you to be a better caregiver in several ways. Not only will you experience less stress and be able to manage your time better, but you will be inspired to provide a better quality of life for you and your loved one, and isn’t that what caregiving is all about?

Caring tip: Research shows that people waste up to an hour each day looking for items that have been misplaced. Add hoarding to that statistic and some items may never be found! The best way to avoid loosing important items is orderliness.