According to an article in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, hoarding affects up to 28% of people with dementia. And for families in Raleigh, NC, it often becomes one of the hardest challenges to manage.
A parent who once kept a tidy home may now hide food in odd spots or collect piles of paper they refuse to throw away. These behaviors can create safety risks like falls or fire hazards, lowering senior home safety. Moreover, they often come with fear and emotional pain for everyone involved.
This guide will walk you through the stages of hoarding in Alzheimer’s and offer practical tips to help you care for your parent with confidence and compassion.
Why Hoarding Happens in Alzheimer’s and What Caregivers Need to Know
Hoarding in Alzheimer’s is often a sign of deeper fear or the need to feel in control. As memory fades, your parent may cling to familiar objects to hold onto a sense of security.
They also might forget where things are and assume items were stolen, so they hide what matters to them. In some cases, they may even collect food or paper because they think they may need it later — even if “later” no longer has a clear meaning.
It’s important to note that this isn’t the same as hoarding disorder, which is a separate mental health condition. In Alzheimer’s, hoarding behaviors are tied to brain changes that impact mental and emotional regulation.
One of the most important things you can do is give yourself permission to step back when emotions run high. Here are a few strategies that can help calm your nervous system before you re-engage:
- Deep breathing
- Quiet journaling
- Talking with someone you trust
You can’t fix the disease, but you can show up with patience and a clear head — and that makes all the difference.
Early Stages of Hoarding: When Subtle Signs Begin to Show
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, hoarding may not be easy to spot. Your parent might start hiding money or storing extra food in places that don’t make sense. These actions may seem harmless at first, but they are often signs of deeper anxiety or confusion.
You may also notice clutter building up around the house. Items that used to be put away now sit in piles on tables or fill drawers that once stayed neat. Sometimes this is a shift from how your parent used to live, and other times it simply magnifies an old habit.
Another warning sign of hoarding and dementia is them becoming more protective of their things. For example, let’s say you move an item or suggest throwing something out, and they accuse you of taking it or get upset without warning. This kind of behavior often comes from fear of losing control.
Pay attention to how your parents talk about their possessions. If they seem unusually attached to certain items or worried someone might steal from them, it may be time to gently step in. The earlier you recognize these patterns, the easier it is to keep them safe and supported.
Middle Stage: Hoarding Becomes a Safety Concern
As Alzheimer’s progresses, hoarding behaviors usually become harder to manage. What started as small hiding spots can grow into piles that block hallways or crowd furniture. Food might be stashed in bedrooms, and drawers can overflow with papers or random objects.
At this stage, trying to clean or organize may lead to strong reactions. Your parent could become upset or even angry when you move their things. These outbursts are not about the objects themselves, but about the fear and confusion that come with change.
They may also flat out refuse to throw anything away. Even broken items or spoiled food start to feel important to them. The more the disease affects memory and reasoning, the more your parent may rely on possessions to feel grounded.
What’s most difficult during this stage is that these items often bring a sense of comfort and safety. To your parent, they are not just things. They’re proof of control in a world that no longer makes sense.
This stage can be heartbreaking, so consider joining a support group for family caregiving tips and self-care.
Late Stage: Less Hoarding and More Caregiver Challenges
In the late stage of Alzheimer’s, hoarding often starts to fade. Your parent may no longer have the focus or energy to collect or hide items. This change can feel like relief, but it also brings new challenges.
The clutter from earlier stages doesn’t go away on its own. Rooms may still be full of saved objects or unsafe stacks that need attention. But by this point, your parent may not understand why the clutter is there, and they might not notice it at all.
Even if the active hoarding slows down, the risks remain. Items left on the floor can cause falls, and spoiled food can lead to illness. It’s important to step in carefully and make the space safer without adding confusion or distress.
During this stage, your role may shift more toward hands-on care, like managing:
- Hygiene
- Meal time nutrition
- Daily routines
And this on top of sorting through the past evidence of your loved one’s struggle to hold on. This part of the journey is tough, and it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s from a care team, a memory care community, or close friends. Support can make a real difference for both your parent and you.
When the Clutter Feels Bigger Than You, Call Us
Watching a parent go through the stages of hoarding is never easy, especially when the emotional stakes are high. But by understanding hoarding patterns and recognizing the signs early, you can take meaningful steps to protect your loved one and bring more peace into your life.
At TerraBella Northridge, we support families in Raleigh with a deep understanding of memory care needs. Our residents enjoy peaceful walking paths and thoughtfully designed living spaces that reduce stress and promote safety.
If you’re ready for support, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn how TerraBella Northridge can guide your family through Alzheimer’s behavior changes with compassion and care.
