I’ve been terrified of Grandma since Grandpa died; she hoards and has mice and rats

DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE my grandfather died 15 years ago, my grandmother has started hoarding things – and now she has a problem with mice and rats.

Her house is a major health hazard and I am terrified for her and her neighbors.

She is 81 and her house is full of clutter, both wall to wall and floor to ceiling.

It is a very old terraced house and the people on both sides are also elderly.

I’m 35 and although she doesn’t require any care as such, I come in once a week to see if she’s doing well.

Recently, to my horror, a rat ran down the hall and out her front door. I’ve talked to her about getting rid of some things, but she doesn’t want to hear about it.

She doesn’t have a dishwasher so sometimes I find a pile of dishes and she has had problems with mice in the past.

I’m convinced that somewhere in the depths of her house she has garbage bags full of food and trash, which is causing the rat problem.

I’m also worried about her tripping over the piles of newspapers on her stairs. It’s just not safe.

DEIDRE SAYS: Your grandmother’s hoarding indicates a mental illness, most likely caused by your grandfather’s death.

Could you clear out 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 are concerned about her and that the rats are definitely a health hazard. Ask her if she’s okay with you going with her to the doctor to get help. Your municipality can advise you on removing pests.

Contact Rethink Mental Illness (rethink.org, 0808 801 0525) and find help through Hoarding UK (hoardinguk.org).