I've recently tried to become an expert on hoarding, since my mom apparently has become one. It was really interesting to find out that natural disasters can lead to people becoming hoarders, and I think that's what happened to her with the last hurricane.
Aren't you concerned about her health?
Absolutely, especially because hoarders can make their homes into fire hazards what with all the blocked exists. This is not to mention the vermin infestations, or the waste from the animals she's collecting.. I'm worried about the common problem of stacks of things possibly falling onto her, as well.
Good lord. What are some other factors that can lead to hoarding? It sounds like a form of OCD.
You're absolutely right, it is. Excessive acquisition of items, and the inability/unwillingness to get rid of the large amassed amount of things they collect, is a pattern of behavior that comes about because it apparently causes them distress/impairment to lose these things. It's not just health risks... She's dealt with the common economic burden and loss of family/friends wanting to deal with her, which often happens to hoarders
How do you fix a problem like this? Seems like shes aware of her actions, but she might not want help.
It's definitely tricky, and it involves something called cognitive behavioral therapy, as in you have to get a therapist involved. I've already enlisted their help because pretty soon, she won't be able to even cook in her house anymore, much less clean or move around in it properly.