Sister's Hoarding Has Become Hazardous
Dear Abby | March 25th, 2026 | Letter 2 of 2
DEAR ABBY: My 71-year-old sister is a hoarder. She has always been disorganized and constantly runs late. She was diagnosed many years ago with ADHD. Her home is full of unfinished projects and things she intends to recycle. Family members, myself included, refuse to go inside her home and would likely be turned away if we did show up. A distinct odor clings to her clothes and lingers in my car and house several hours after she has left. Her home is a health hazard. I worry she'll trip over the piles of junk and stacks of boxes. At what point is it my business to intervene? The approach I've always taken is that it's her life, her home and if that's the way she chooses to live, that's her business. I wouldn't want her or anyone else telling me how to live in my home. Should I continue to mind my own business, or gently approach the subject? She's single and has no kids. I'm the only family she has, and I'm afraid that when she passes, I'll have a house full of junk to deal with. -- BURDENED IN INDIANA.
DEAR BURDENED: The point at which you should intervene is when you feel her home has become a health hazard, which you stated in your letter. Hoarding is a form of mental illness. Medication can sometimes help, but only if the hoarder is willing to admit there is a problem. Rather than get into an argument with your sister over this, it might be better to contact the health department in your city or county and report your concerns. Someone from there can check if your sister's hoarding has become dangerous to her health or well-being.
- powered by google cloud