Resources
Articles
A Personal Journey Through Caregiving for a Loved One with Early Onset Dementia
Dementia Friendly Week in Cleveland Heights is a time to learn, connect, and come together in support of those affected by dementia. Hosted annually by Heights Libraries, this weeklong event features workshops, book talks and educational programs like Dementia Friends sessions. It’s about more than information: it’s about building a community that understands and supports individuals with dementia and their caregivers. For Nancy Levin, Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, the mission of Dementia Friendly Week is deeply personal.
Articles
How Loved Ones Can Intervene in a Hoarding Situation: Navigating the Process and Getting Professional Help
Hoarding is a complex condition that can severely affect both the individual who hoards and their loved ones. While people who hoard often resist help, intervention is sometimes necessary to prevent further harm and ensure the person’s safety and well-being. Loved ones may feel unsure of how to begin this process, especially given the emotional and logistical challenges involved.
Articles
Access to Resources in Ohio for Individuals Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Since 2022, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging has partnered with Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Aging, and several other aging organizations throughout the state to develop critical resources for individuals living with dementia and their family and friend caregivers. This partnership has led to the creation of Ohio’s first Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Statewide Resource Program, offering both virtual and in-person access to training, resources, and research on dementia and dementia care.
Articles
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.
Articles
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.
Articles
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.
Articles
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.
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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.
Articles
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.