I have a hard time watching Hoarders as well. I don't think they get the proper consent from the subjects of the show. It would be one thing if the hoarder in question said "I need help, come help me minimize my stuff so I can change my life" but they don't. Usually, the team that made that show (I think it is now off-air) would barge in and clean the junk and the hoarder would either withdraw consent or not give it in the first place.

"It's amazing how the poor (I mean afflicted, not impoverished) people in that program can value a worn sippy-cup from their child's baby-hood more than the person that the child grew into. I'm taking steps not to turn into THAT person." That is a haunting observation. I need to keep reminding myself that my father is not the tools he left behind. He is not a house and he is not a lawnmower. The only way I can keep him around in any capacity is to act like he did: diligent, generous, and kind.