This course will look at the scope of the issue in various levels of senior living (e.g., independent/assisted living, SNF, senior housing), reasons why individuals may hoard, health conditions that might lead to hoarding behavior, and the effects (physical, social, emotional) of hoarding behavior. Approaches and signs for recognizing hoarding behavior will be addressed. Finally, strategies to address hoarding in senior living will be offered including how to balance interventions with resident rights, standardized assessment to determine the severity of hoarding, the do’s and don’ts of communicating with a hoarder and practices for supporting the hoarder toward a place of health and well-being. Additional evidence-based tips for supporting individuals who don’t think they hoard and for living with someone who is hoarding will be offered. When dealing with a hoarder you need to make the most of your encounters. By learning a new way to break down the barriers of hoarders you can make a difference in their quality of life and teach them, their families, and staff how to help them understand it and help them.