top of page

Hoarding - more than just a pile of problems (Part 3)


His flat was so stacked up with items he collected from outside that the door could not open fully. (Source: O'Joy case photo)
His flat was so stacked up with items he collected from outside that the door could not open fully. (Source: O'Joy case photo)

Thankfully for Mr Neo, he did not have to go through as traumatising an experience as Mdm Tan. Mr Neo was 72-year-old, single and staying alone in a one-room rental flat. His flat was so stacked up with items he collected from outside that the door could not open fully. It could only open halfway and there was no room for movement inside the flat. Indeed it was so packed that Mr Tan had no space to sleep inside his flat and he spent every night for the last few months sleeping at his void-deck. His main purpose of collecting the items were supposedly to sell them off, but he never did.


HDB received complaints from his neighbours about his flat being a fire hazard and wanted to do decluttering. Instead of doing so immediately, HDB connected with O’Joy and gave us a grace period to work with Mr Neo, with the hope of preparing him mentally for the eventual clearing. O’Joy counsellor visited Mr Neo many times, reminding him of HDB’s decision and deadline, and even suggested helping him to “sell off” some of the items he hoarded, but Mr Neo turned down his help.


On the day of clearing, Mr Neo became very distressed and even went down on his knees to beg the cleaners to stop taking away his stuff. The counsellor tried to comfort him and kept him from breaking down completely. He continued to be there for Mr Neo, visiting him a couple of times in the week after the clearing. After the clearing, he was able to sleep properly in his own home and he remained emotionally stable. We were glad we did not need to admit him to the hospital on the day of decluttering. Although we did not know the reason for his hoarding, he did not hoard again after the decluttering. There are stories of hoarders who gradually stop hoarding after redirecting their attention and energy on hobbies, spending time with people/pets or volunteering. This might be why Mr Neo never hoards again.


We were lucky that HDB had the foresight to contact us to provide emotional support to Mr Neo, or he might end up very distressed and suicidal like Mdm Tan. Hence it is very important for any decluttering to be preceded by ample preparation for the elderly to avoid dire consequences.


(All names are not real, and details have been changed to protect the identity of these individuals)


Written by Chew Yat Peng, principal counsellor at O'Joy

Σχόλια


O'Joy Logo - Arial 行楷 horizontal, all white.png
  • Whatsapp
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube

Member of:

Address:

Blk 5, Upper Boon Keng Rd, #02-10, Singapore 380005

Phone: +65 6749 0190

Fax: +65 6742 1909

Web: www.ojoy.org

Email: hello[at]ojoy.org

Company Registration No.: 201805560D
Charity Registration No.: 201805560D
Full Member, National Council of Social Service

IPC Registered Charity: 201805560D

We are an Institute of Public Character. 

Monetary donations can be eligible for 250% tax exemption.

O'Joy Limited is a leading non-profit social service organisation in Singapore, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of seniors and adults with mental health conditions. At O'Joy, we offer a range of programs, including counselling services, case management for seniors, and mental health support for younger adults. Our Health-Oriented Ageing (HOA) program promotes active ageing through exercise, arts, and social interaction, helping seniors stay physically, cognitively, and socially engaged. O'Joy relies on donations and partnerships to sustain our impactful work, providing essential support to vulnerable communities. Join us in making a difference through your contribution or collaboration, and help us foster a healthier, more connected community for all.

© 2022 by O'Joy Limited. Proudly created with Wix.comData Protection Policy

bottom of page