Hopeful Strategies for Senior Hoarding
While hoarding is a serious problem impacting the health and safety of older adults, the condition is highly resistant to treatment. What causes hoarding? Why do hoarders cling to objects, animals, filth, and seemingly meaningless possessions? This timely program will cover 1) the mental health component of hoarding, 2) developing empathy for hoarders, and 3) best practice strategies for improving quality of life for seniors who hoard and their families. The session will also discuss strategies for dealing with hoarding in senior care communities.
This content is beginner and intermediate levels.
Date of original Porgram: 8.9.2024
Joanna Frankel is a graduate of Towson University with her Bachelors in both Psychology and Gerontology. Following, Joanna obtained her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a clinical concentration and a focus in Aging. Since, Joanna has been working in the long-term care setting for over 15 years. Her experience includes directing the social work department in a 205-bed facility, with clients who have a variety of mental health issues, long term care needs, at end of life, on dialysis and who are ventilator dependent. Additionally, Joanna is passionate about and has expertise in dementia, advance directives/end of life and mental health issues in the elderly. Furthermore, she has spent the last 10 years consulting in several nursing homes, educating social workers on the proper practices of long-term care while providing clinical supervision. Joanna has always educated interdisciplinary teams, patients and families on various topics on aging. When Joanna isn’t working, you can find her playing ball with her husband and 2 boys or at the nearest sushi restaurant.