Speaker: Linda Shumaker, Optimizing Aging LLC

Hoarding behaviors have become a fascination to many, unfortunately hoarding is a

social, mental health and overall concern. Individuals who hoard have sentimental

attachment to the things they collect. They have difficulty discarding belongings due

to the emotional attachment and belief they may need the items at some other point

in their life. This 2 ½ hour webinar will discuss hoarding as a disease, as well as

hoarding behaviors, demographics, assessment and treatment. An overview of

animal hoarding will be discussed. Understanding the complexity of treatment for

individuals who have “hoarding” behaviors will be discussed. The need for

development of “hoarding task forces” will be discusses emphasizing a cross system

collaborative approach.

OBJECTIVES:

 Describe hoarding as a mental health and social issue

 Critique “hoarding” in the DSM 5

 Demonstrate the complexity of treatment for individuals who have “hoarding”

behaviors

 Discuss the importance of cross system collaborative approaches when working

with individuals with “hoarding” behaviors

 Analyze the needs of a community-based “hoarding task force”

AGENDA:

9:00 – 9:15 AM Understanding Hoarding Behaviors

 Demographics

 Characteristics

 Current research

 DSM 5 diagnosis

9:15 – 9:45 AM Assessment

 Saving Inventory-Revised tool (Frost)

 Clutter Image Rating Scale (Frost)

 HOMES Assessment (Bratiotis)

9:45 – 10:30AM Intervention

 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

 Developing Skills

10:30 – 11:00 AM Developing Hoarding Task Forces

11:00 – 11:30 AM Case discussion

This 2 ½ hour program will be offered to any individual, clinician or family member. It is

presented at an intermediate level but due to the importance of the subject matter

questions will be addressed and answered to include all levels of community

participation.