Background
To date, no studies have examined the prevalence of hoarding behaviour and domestic squalor among individuals with mild intellectual disability. To address this gap, we conducted a prevalence study within a population supported by a medium-sized care organisation in the Netherlands.
Method
Data were collected on 437 individuals with mild intellectual disability receiving care in residential facilities or through outpatient services. Assessments were conducted using the Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview, the Environmental Cleanliness and Clutter Scale, and the Clutter Image Rating Scale.
Results
Hoarding behaviour and/or domestic squalor were observed in 16.8% of the residents. Support staff identified 8.3% of dwellings as posing significant safety risks or health hazards. Additionally, 6.7% of residents had been threatened with eviction due to hoarding or squalor.
Conclusions
Hoarding behaviour and domestic squalor appear to be more prevalent among individuals with mild intellectual disability in care settings than among the overall population.
Summary
- Hoarding behaviour and domestic squalor appear to be more prevalent among service users with mild intellectual disability than in the general population.
- Hoarding and squalor can have significant impacts on the lives of residents and their environments.
- Given the potential scale of these problems, increased attention to hoarding and squalor among people with mild intellectual disability is warranted.