Tag Archives for Lori Brennan-Almeida

Hoarding and seniors: “The Consequences of Clutter” Report 

Published in RINewsToday on July 22, 2024

With the number of seniors afflicted with a hoarding disorder expected to skyrocket to over 14 million, on July 2 U.S. Sen, Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, unveiled a report putting the spotlight on its impact on older hoarders and their communities.  For seniors those consequences include health and safety risks, social isolation, eviction, and homelessness. For communities, those consequences include public health concerns, increased risk of fire, and dangers to emergency responders.

According to the report, citing the Administration for Community Living’s 2020 Profile of Older Americans, the number of seniors in the U.S. is expected to increase from about 54 million in 2019 to over 94 million in 2060. “Because hoarding disorder disproportionately impacts older adults, experts worry that aging could fuel a rise in hoarding in the coming decades,” notes the report, quoting NPR Morning Edition’s Rose Conlon. 

According to the Majority Staff of the Senate Aging Committee who wrote the report (with a whopping 270 citations), it was developed for information purposes only and does not represent the findings or recommendations formally adopted by the Committee.

Hoarding is a chronic and progressive condition

The report notes that this chronic and progressive condition impacts roughly two percent of the general population, while it affects about six percent of those over the age of 70.

“Hoarding disorder is a heartbreaking condition that is posing challenges to older adults, their families, and their communities across the country,” said Chairman Casey (D-PA) in a July 2 statement announcing his report. “The federal government has an obligation to ensure that Americans can age with dignity and this report makes clear that obligation must include doing more to address hoarding disorder,” he says.

According to Casey, the new report, “The Consequences of Clutter: How Hoarding Disorder Affects America’s Older Adults, First Responders, and Their Communities,” demonstrates the scope and severity of the challenges of this complex mental health condition and offers a path forward for how we can help people, communities, and local governments contend with this condition. 

Local communities throughout the United States are already working to address cases of hoarding disorder, including through the formation of hoarding task forces to coordinate response efforts, says

Casey’s report, noting that the local resources  available often do not correspond with the level of challenge communities are facing. 

Casey’s report issued a series of nine recommendations for how the federal government can increase support to communities that are contending with hoarding disorder, including expanding access to treatment for the condition, providing local officials with more extensive guidance and training to support afflicted individuals, and expanding the scope of tracking and research about how hoarding disorder is affecting individuals and communities nationwide.

The report compiles 55 requests for information, responses, and stakeholder statements submitted by non-profits, social services organizations as well as state and local governments to gather information to better understand the impact of hoarding in local communities. 

“Overall, the report does a good job of outlining the importance of the topic and identifies the federal and state agencies that should be involved in assessment and intervention,” says Randy O. Frost, professor emeritus of psychology at Smith College and a leading researcher on hoarding and related topics.

“Hoarding Disorder is a relatively [recognized] new disorder, having just entered the DSM in 2013. Consequently, there are not identified agencies who can claim ownership of the problem and the potential solutions.” This report legitimizes this problem for attention from these agencies, says Frost, noting that this report also highlights the fact that the prevalence of hoarding is extremely high among the elderly.

“Severe cases are sometimes life threatening for the individual and those living nearby or those called in to provide help,” adds Frost.

An Expert’s take…

According to Frost, the report covers the important issues related to hoarding, including education of the general public as well as family, friends, and people suffering with the problem. It highlights the need to train professionals in best practices for intervention. An important assumption underlying the report is that this is a problem which touches many different social service disciplines, from first responders to assisted living facilities, adult protective services, animal control, mental health, public health, child health, elder services, etc. “When a local case is identified, in current practice, it is not unusual for 4 or 5 of these agencies to be involved, often not knowing what each other are doing. Integration among these agency professionals is crucial for dealing with hoarding efficiently,” he says.

“There is a lot more that could be said about this problem, and a lot more detail could have been included regarding specific recommendations,” he said, stressing that this was not the purpose of the report. “The report was to outline the problem and point different agencies in appropriate directions moving forward. It does so and is a welcome effort from a federal agency,” he says.

Spotlight on Rhode Island

“Hoarding is a serious problem that has apparently not been adequately addressed in Rhode Island as well as in the nation as a whole,” charges long-time advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations Susan Sweet, former associate director of the Department of Elderly Affairs, and founder of the Rhode Island Minority Elder Task Force (RIMETF).  “While it is present in all age groups, adults over 60 years have the highest level of hoarding behavior and the most risk because of diminished physical and often cognitive abilities,” she says.

“This report outlines the difficult life circumstances that elders with the problem of hoarding face.  The Rhode Island network of aging programs and advocates for older adults do not have the resources to create and implement effective remedies,” warns Sweet. “I hope that shining a light on the issue will encourage policy, funding, and attention to what is a mental health issue and a complication in physical illnesses that create obstacles in attempts to help elders afflicted with the disorder,” she says.

According to Sweet, the Ocean State is one of the few areas and the only state that has organized a Hoarding Taskforce to point the way towards effective client management, education and training of eldercare healthcare, mental health programs and social work entities.  The health and well-being of individuals and communities is greatly impacted by the fire hazards, evictions, safety issues, and other self-neglect problems that occur with hoarding behavior.

“Awareness of the prevalence of hoarding and the danger to our communities and citizens should quicken the pace of funding and support to combat this growing threat,” says Sweet.

Like Sweet, Robin Covington, a member of Rhode Island’s Hoarding Task Force, sees the value of the released Senate Aging Committee’s report on hoarding and its recommendations. “As an adult protective services caseworker I saw firsthand the implications of hoarding,” said Covington, who serves as Coalition Director of Saint Elizabeth Haven for Elder Justice. “Hoarding creates health, fire hazard and safety risks, social isolation, eviction and homelessness,” she said. 

“Often times, people who hoard don’t think they have a problem because of their attachment to their possessions, which makes it difficult to deal with”, says Covington.  Because of its behavioral aspects a person with this behavior needs clinical assistance, she notes, not just decluttering of personal items. 

Covington believes that there is a lack of programs and clinical support in place in Rhode Island to address the increasing problem of hoarding. However, the state’s Hoarding Taskforce is working on helping support case managers and providers by developing a workforce initiative to support individuals with clutter or hoarding tendencies. 

Increase funding for Case Manager interventions

But more funding must be given to Community Action Programs who subcontract with OHA to oversee Adult Protective Services. “It’s pricey to cover the costs of visits, intervention and coordination of a clean-up company,” Covington says. 

A lot of times when it is someone over 60, a report to Adult Protective Services is provided and a CAP agency case manager goes out and visits the older adult to put eyes on them and to help with an intervention like the coordination of a clean-up company, but that can be expensive, notes Covington. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 23 years and RIMETF’s president  Lori Brennan-Almeida has seen the negative impact of hoarding up close.  For over 20 years, she has seen RIMETF provide emergency assistance to seniors age 55 and over to pay for services to clean their apartments to avoid eviction.

“Clinical intervention is necessary to stop seniors from hoarding”, says Almeida, stressing the importance of home-based therapy. “Grief counseling may be needed because a person often forms an attachment to compensate for a personal loss,” adds Brennan-Almeida.  

“Without counseling, hoarding may well continue after the debris is gone from their apartment and the senior will just collect more items”, says Brennan-Almeida.  

Keeping tabs on hoarding

“This is our first ever hoarding report,” says Misha Linnehan, Deputy Press Secretary for Sen. Casey.  When asked if there would be a follow-up report next year, she stated: “There are currently no plans for another but it is always a possibility.” 

Kudos to Chairman Casey and the Majority Staff for putting resources, time and effort into crafting this report.  For those people in the trenches, future reports should be written and formal Senate Aging Committee hearings held to keep tabs on this growing problem and to determine if the recommendations from this first report are being implemented. 

Don’t drop the ball on this one.

RI Hoarding Task Force

Janet Spinelli and Kelly McHugh are co-chairs of the RI Hoarding Task Force which is convened through the RI Elder Mental Health and Addiction Coalition co-chaired by Chris Gadbois and Janet Spinelli. 

The RI Hoarding Task Force has two committees including the HD Task Force Toolkit Development Committee lead by Christopher Liu, an undergraduate at Brown University and the HD Task Force Website and Outreach Committee.  

Anyone interested in joining the Task Force can email RIEMHAC@gmail.com  More information and resources can be found at RIHoardingtf.ri.gov which is supported through the EOHHS Money Follows the Person Program.

For download a copy of the Senate Aging Committee’s hoarding report, go to chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_consequences_of_clutter.pdf

RI Minority Elder Task Force Spotlights ‘Everyday Heroes’

Published in the Woonsocket Call on November 5, 2017

Last Thursday, the Rhode Island Minority Elder Task Force (RIMETF), a nonprofit group that advocates for cultural competent services for elders from minority groups, recognized “Everyday Heroes” who make a difference in the community while also raising money to provide limited emergency assistance to low-income seniors in crisis situations.

RIMETF fund raising efforts combine with grants to fulfill its mission of financially helping low-income seniors, says Susan Sweet, the nonprofit’s founder and treasurer. RIMETF provides $200 to low income seniors to help pay utility costs, rent, food, medications, clothing, furniture, personal healthcare items and other necessities of life, she says, noting that approximately 80 grants, about half going to minority applicants, are given out annually.

Sweet says, “During the last two decades, RIMETF provided more than $53,000 in grants, successfully raising approximately $7,000 at the November 2 fundraiser. Over 150 supporters in attendance from around the state came to the East Providence Cape Verdean Progressive Center to honor eleven ‘Everyday Heroes’ who made outstanding contributions to many people throughout Rhode Island.”

According to Chairperson Lori Brennan-Almeida, her nonprofit group’s fundraising efforts are fluid, changing every year as needed. “Last year the nonprofit group held a full-day learning conference on Cultural Competence in Healthcare and Social Services for nurses, social workers and Certified Nursing Assistants, attracting over 100 attendees.”

“The idea for recognizing unsung heroes who work with Rhode Island’s minority residents was tossed around for the past couple of years,” says Almeida, noting that some of the honorees of this year’s fundraiser had never been recognized for their outstanding work

Introducing RIMETF’s 2007 “Everyday Heroes”…

Kathy Blunt

After Blunt, at 74 years of age, initially interviewed at Orchard View Manor, she got a letter a week later informing her that she did not get the job. Luckily for the residents, the position became open again and she was hired at the East Providence-based nursing facility in 2010 and quickly became an “indispensable gift to residents and a team builder between departments,” say facility staff.

Joseph Caffey, Sr.

The late Joseph Caffey, Sr., a visionary for high standards of service in affordable housing during his 24 years as the President and CEO of Omni Development and a leader in the Rhode Island’s affordable housing sector, were key to his recognition by RIMETF. Caffey’s vision led him to partner with the Providence Center to bring a mental health satellite office to the Olneyville-based Valley Apartments to assist the mental health needs of the tenants. He also hired employees with social work degrees to provide clinical services to tenants.

Trudence “Trudy” Conroy

Staff at the Newport County Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) consider Trudy to be a model volunteer who brings her knowledge, warm wit and compassion into counseling and advice to assist Medicare eligible seniors choose a Medicare insurance plan that fits their specific health needs. Trudy has amassed almost 700 hours as a SHIP volunteer over the past two years.

Carol Corey

For over 20 years, Corey, 75, of West Warwick, has visited the sick and lonely residing in local nursing facilities and hospitals. She shops for these individuals, bringing them needed toiletries, special treats, flowers, and even small articles of clothing, all paid on her own. She is known for being “low key” and never forgetting birthdays or special occasions, and celebrating holidays with people who have no friends or family.

Garo Emdjian

In 1980 Emdjian, now 76, emigrated from Armenia to the U.S. and he has never looked back. Emdjian’s life mission now is to give back to his adopted country, for over 25 years giving countless volunteer hours to local nonprofit agencies that have included Rhode Island Meals-on-Wheels, Fox Point Senior Center, Federal Hill House, Hamilton House, the Blood Bank and Fox Point Manor. Despite the many honors he has received over the years, Emdjian will tell you he does not volunteer for the recognition but for the true love and commitment to be of service to others.

Cynthia Hiatt, Esq.

Just six months after Hiatt retired from a 37 year career serving as Chief Legal Counsel for the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights, she came back to fight discrimination and racism again by serving as one of the seven governor-appointed commissioners of the Commission. As a volunteer Hiatt meets monthly to rule on cases and presides over hearings and investigative conferences, continuing to fight to enforce antidiscrimination laws and to end discrimination against older Rhode Islanders, the disabled and people of color.

Adrienne Marchetti

Those who know Marchetti as Director of the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, use descriptive words such as: competent, respectful, creative, talented, selfless, as well as generous, and always welcoming to those she serves. Adrienne works 7 days a week from early morning until evening cooking and serving food to some of the poorest residents and homeless individuals in Pawtucket. Even in winter, after a very long day serving those who come to her soup kitchen, she prepares a satisfying supper and what is left over, she delivers to the night shelter at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to feed their 15 homeless residents.

Christine Reitman

For 26 years, Reitman, a Resident Service Coordinator at Property Advisory Group, has always advocated for her residents, always going above and beyond her normal duties. Recognizing the low income of her residents along with their social and health issues, she organized Saturday coffee hours, passing out needed everyday items to attendees, personally purchased from a local dollar store. The regular gatherings provide residents with a social network and informal forum to talk about personal issues.

Irene Sadlik

Coming to the United States from the Czech Republic nearly 30 years ago, Sadlik, with no formal training in health care, found her life’s passion working for the housekeeping department in a nursing facility. The former seamstress had an exceptional rapport with the residents, quickly responding to their needs and becoming their tireless advocate. Ultimately, to further her goal of working with older Rhode Islander’s she left her job at the nursing facility and opened up her own non-skilled home care agency. She has since taken a cancer patient into her home to try to give her a chance to enjoy her final days.

Mary Kay Uchmanowicz

Uchmanowicz, a Board Certified Audiologist who founded the Smithfield-based Twin Rivers Hearing Health in Smithfield in 2001, uses her empathy and specialized training to treat hearing problems of her older patients. Over the years, she has collected discarded hearing aids and brought them to the Philippines, spending weeks screening and fitting underprivileged children and adults with these donated hearing aids. “It is a privilege to help others,” says the audiologist who volunteers her time providing ear checks, audiometric testing, cleaning hearing aids, and answering questions at North Providence Senior Center and the Villa at St Antoine.

Henrietta “Henrie” Tonia White-Holder

White-Holder, founder and CEO of Higher Ground International, is committed to bringing clean water and sanitation to her native Liberia. Through the nonprofit organization, she opened the new RUKIYA (uplifting) Center on the south side of Providence, which focuses on programs for African immigrants, elders and youth, literacy and workforce issues. Henrie served on the United Way’s Executive Director Leadership Circle, received the Providence Newspaper Guild Public Service Award, the Extraordinary Woman Award for Education, and was conferred the RI Liberian Humanitarian Award.

For more details regarding the work of the RI Minority Elder Task Force or to make a donation, write RIMETF, 5 Leahy Street, Rumford, RI 02916 or call Lori Brennan Almeida, Chairperson, at 401-497-1287.