Senate report calls for national action against hoarding disorder

(NewsNation) – A new Senate report warns that hoarding disorder is on the rise among older Americans and calls for urgent action at the national level.

Senator Bob Casey (D-Penn.), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Aging, released the report. It is the first time that Congress has addressed this issue.

“My report is a first step in raising awareness about the hoarding problem,” Casey told Axios.

Hoarding disorder is a mental illness characterized by difficulty parting with possessions. It affects approximately 2% of the U.S. population and 6% of those over 70. Experts predict that the prevalence of this disorder will increase as the American population ages.

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The disturbance can create dangerous living conditions that lead to health problems, social isolation, and difficulties for first responders in emergency situations. It can also affect public health if mold or pest infestations spread to neighboring spaces.

The report criticizes inadequate action by federal agencies. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Administration for Community Living do not have specific programs to combat hoarding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not offer any up-to-date online resources on the topic.

To address growing concerns, the report recommends:

1. Improved data collection on the impact of hoarding on older adults and first responders

2. Public awareness campaigns

3. Nationwide training and support for local service providers

4. Expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage for after-school care

5. Direct contact with affected persons and their families

The report says America’s aging population will require the federal government to prioritize previously overlooked problems, including hoarding disorder.

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