What is Hoarding? Free program explores this issue Nov. 9

Duncaster Retirement Community will host a free program about hoarding on Thursday, November 9 at 3 p.m. It will feature, Janet G. Ragno, LCSW, Lead Primary Therapist at Windham Hospital’s Older Adult Program. The event, which is part of Duncaster’s ongoing Art & Science of Graceful Aging series, is open to the public with preregistration.

The session will help participants define and understand hoarding and explain the steps that can be taken to overcome the condition. Two to six percent of people in the US have what Ragno defined as a “hoarding disorder.” This involves what Ragno calls “…an excessive accumulation of items and difficulty of parting with such possessions, regardless of value.” Sufferers of this condition are overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have accumulated, and as they age their ability to manage it declines. In many cases, the clutter is so severe that rooms in their homes can no longer be used for their intended purpose, leading to isolation and problems with hygiene, safety and nutrition.

Ragno has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. She is currently working on her Long-term Care Management Certification. For over 30 years, Ragno has been working in areas of aging. At Windham Hospital, Ragno directs the Older Adult Program and creates an environment that helps patients struggling with anxiety, depression, and drug and alcohol addiction.