Hoarding Resources
Hoarding is defined
as the collection of items in excess of what is needed in a typical household
that interferes with the flow and functionality of a home. Just like any other
illness, hoarders need mental health and support in order to cleanup and maintain
their living space. Some hoarding includes animals. In 2015 Illinois made it
illegal for seniors to hoard and is calling hoarding “self-neglect” which is a
form of elder abuse. It’s called the "AGING(320 ILCS 20/) Adult Protective
Services Act."
(i-5)
"Self-neglect" means a condition that is the result of an eligible
adult's inability, due to physical or mental impairments, or both, or a
diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks that substantially
threaten his or her own health, including: providing essential food, clothing,
shelter, and health care; and obtaining goods and services necessary to
maintain physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, and general
safety. The term includes compulsive hoarding, which is characterized by
the acquisition and retention of large quantities of items and materials that
produce an extensively cluttered living space, which significantly impairs the
performance of essential self-care tasks or otherwise substantially threatens
life or safety.
Should you know anyone who
needs help with their hoarding issues please contact:
Animal Hoarding
Resources Decluttering Organizations These organizations will help declutter the home, hire & manage waste haulers, and salvage valuables if possible