Introduction:
This study examines older men’s experiences of hoarding and self-neglect where these co-concur and their engagement with local authority (LA) social care services in Wales. Self-neglect includes neglecting basic needs such as personal hygiene, safety and diet and may involve hoarding or obtaining and failing to discard possessions, creating cluttered and often dangerous living spaces. Hoarding can severely affect a person’s wellbeing and sometimes wider neighbourhood wellbeing and safety. To date there is very little research on older men’s experiences of hoarding and self-neglect, but we know that older men are less likely to seek help and support.
Background:
The overarching aim is to identify ways of enhancing support and service engagement for older men experiencing hoarding and self-neglect concurrently (including where hoarding leads to self-neglect concerns) in Wales. Our research questions are:
How do gender and masculinities shape social care responses to older men in this group?
How do older men (60 + years) experiencing hoarding and self-neglect concurrently engage with social care services?
Study methods and activities:
Methods will include:
- Interviews with older men about their recent and current experiences of hoarding;
- Interviews with social care professionals about supporting older men from a safeguarding approach;
- Thematic analysis of anonymised case notes provided by local authorities collaborating with us.
Throughout the project, we will work with a public involvement group that includes men with experience of hoarding and family carers.
Research Leads:
Professor Paul Willis, CARE
CARE affiliation:
This is a CARE-led project hosted by CARE.
Research Members and collaborations:
We are working in collaboration with Kayley Hyman from Holistic Hoarding (South Wales charity supporting people with hoarding). Other collaborators are four local authorities (Cardiff Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Neath-Port Talbot County Borough Council, Wrexham County Borough Council) and Social Care Wales (national social care regulator).
Funder(s):
NIHR Research for Social Care Programme
Funding amount:
£412,296
Project start date:
01/02/2026
Project end date:
31/01/2028
Findings:
Ongoing