How Older Adults Can Navigate Cold, Flu and COVID Season Winter months are notorious for an increase in illnesses like the common cold, flu and COVID-19. Older adults in particular are at a higher risk of severe complications from these illnesses due to existing chronic conditions and age-related changes in immunity. With proper preparation and quick action, however, older adults can stay safe and healthy during the season. Read more
Medicare’s GUIDE Program Improves Dementia Care for Families For families caring for someone with dementia, a groundbreaking program from Medicare has been introduced that could dramatically improve the medical and support services you receive – at no cost to you. Called Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE), this program recognizes the needs of families dealing with dementia and provides Medicare-covered medical and support services to provide individualized assistance. Read more
Characteristics of People Who Hoard: A Closer Look at the Behavior and Its Impacts Hoarding is a complex behavioral condition that goes beyond simply collecting items. It is often associated with emotional distress, difficulties in decision-making and impaired social and functional abilities. Read more
Enforced Harm Reduction Model for Hoarding Situations: A Guide for Hoarding Professionals The Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County strongly advocates for the adoption of the Enforced Harm Reduction model, as utilized by the Orange County, CA Hoarding Task Force. This approach emphasizes long-term management rather than complete elimination of hoarding behaviors. It leverages a collaborative team of housing enforcement professionals, social services, health, and mental health personnel to assist individuals who hoard. Read more
Helping with Hoarding Cleanup: A Guide for Caregivers and Family Caring for an older adult who hoards can be an overwhelming and emotionally taxing experience. Hoarding is often a deeply ingrained behavior that can significantly impact the individual’s physical and mental well-being, as well as the safety of their living environment. If you're a family member or caregiver of an older adult who hoards, it's essential to approach the situation with care and understanding, both for their well-being and your own. Read more
Signs of Hoarding Behavior: Identifying the Indicators and Understanding the Impact Hoarding is often difficult to detect until it reaches an advanced stage, as individuals may attempt to hide or manage their behaviors. However, certain signs and patterns can indicate the presence of hoarding tendencies, particularly when they begin to affect daily life and living conditions. Read more
Treating Hoarding Behavior in Older Adults: A Guide for Caregivers and Family Members Hoarding is a complex and challenging behavior that often requires specialized treatment. It’s important to understand that simply cleaning up the hoarded items will not resolve the underlying issues. Effective intervention involves a combination of emotional support, mental health care, and gradual change. For caregivers and family members of an older adult who hoards, here’s how you can approach treatment in a way that supports your loved one’s long-term well-being. Read more
Minimum Acceptable Standards for Hoarding Residences: A Guide for Professionals Hoarding situations can present significant challenges to both individuals and the communities in which they live. In response to frequent inquiries from housing coordinators, property managers, and other professionals seeking guidance, the Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County has developed a set of Minimum Acceptable Standards. These guidelines are intended to help professionals assess whether a hoarded living space meets basic safety and livability criteria, enabling individuals to remain in their homes while mitigating risks. Read more
Hoarding Clutter Image Rating Scale The Clutter Image Rating (CIR) Scale is a visual tool developed by International OCD Foundation to help assess the severity of clutter in different areas of a home—specifically the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. It features a series of images ranked from 1 (least cluttered) to 9 (most cluttered), allowing professionals, family members, and individuals to objectively identify and communicate the extent of clutter. This scale is especially helpful in recognizing potential safety or health risks associated with hoarding behaviors. To use it, compare the space in question with the images and select the number that most closely matches the current level of clutter. Read more
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder and Its Impact on Older Adults As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, many people experience a change in their mood and energy levels in winter. For some, these changes are more severe and have a greater impact on their everyday life, a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of depression, linked to seasonal changes—particularly the change from summer to fall/winter—affects millions of people annually, including a significant number of older adults. Read more
