Analysis of patients referred for aged care assessment with concerns related to hoarding or squalor

Abstract

Patients referred with concerns related to hoarding and squalor frequently pose significant management challenges. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 120 patients referred to an Aged Care Assessment Service. The hoarding only group comprised 27%, squalor only 15% and hoarding and squalor 53%. Mild cognitive impairment was the most common cognitive diagnosis, no cognitive diagnosis was made in 25% and the usual diagnostic process could not be followed in 13%. This analysis provides relevant Australian specific data to assist with planning service delivery for a group of patients with complex management issues.