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TextWhat is Hoarding?
Bedroom
Hoarding is the excessive collection and retention of newspapers, trash, unopened sale items, clothing, paper, rotting food and even cats. Conditions in the home of a hoarder can become so extreme that all available space from floor to ceiling may be occupied and the day-to-day activities of the home's occupants are impeded.
Hoarders become emotionally attached to everything. They are unable to distinguish trash from treasures. Hoarding "feels right" to the hoarder, in spite of health and safety consequences.
Hoarding does not recognize race, gender, nationality, level of education or socio-economic bracket. While more prevalent in older adults, hoarding is estimated to affect 350 households per 100,000 people. Based on that estimate, Fairfax County, with a population of over one million, could have as many as 3,500 cases of hoarding.
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