DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE my Grandad died 15 years ago, my Nan has started hoarding things – and now she’s got a problem with mice and rats.
Her home is a complete health hazard and I’m terrified for her and her neighbours.
She is 81 and her house is filled with clutter, both wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.
It’s a really old terraced property and the people on both sides are elderly, too.
I’m 35 and, even though she doesn’t need looking after as such, I pop in once a week to see if she’s OK.
The other day, to my horror, a rat ran up the hall and out her front door. I’ve talked to her about trying to get rid of some things, but she won’t hear of it.
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She doesn’t have a dishwasher, so sometimes I find a mountain of washing up and she’s had problems with mice in the past.
I am convinced that she’s got bin bags full of food and rubbish somewhere in the depths of her house which is causing the rat problem.
I’m also scared she might trip on the piles of newspapers on her staircase. It’s just not safe.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Your grandma’s hoarding suggests mental illness, most likely brought on by the death of your grandfather.
Would you be able to declutter one part of a room to help her see that it would be nicer to live with some space?
If you can, tell her that you’re worried about her and that the rats are certainly a health hazard. Ask whether she’d allow you to accompany her to the doctor to seek some support – and your council will be able to advise on getting rid of any vermin.
Please contact Rethink Mental Illness (rethink.org, 0808 801 0525) and find help through Hoarding UK (hoardinguk.org).
