Realizing a Problem
Hoarding is generally characterized as obtaining and refusing to throw out a large number of items that would normally appear to be worthless, hazardous, or unsanitary. Living spaces become significantly cluttered and prevent activities for which those spaces were designed for. The persons quality of life declines. Hoarding can be a contentious issue among family members adding stress and frustration to an already sensitive issue. While the exact underlying causes of hoarding are unknown, there are some underlying factors including: Depression, OCD, ADHD, Psychosis, Dementia.
A Risk to personal and public safety
Health Risks included
- increase of bacteria caused by inability to clean in and around items
- increase risk of fall due to too many items in walk ways
- increase risk of disease carrying pests and inability to exterminate due to too much stuff
- Depression and isolation
- If utilities are non functioning health risks increase dramatically
- Increased amounts of combustibles can create an extremely hot, fast spreading fire difficult to extinguish
- Pest chew through electrical cords causing fire risks
- Escaping a home in a cluttered home may be impossible due to blocked exit paths and doorways
- Emergency personnel response may be hindered to due the inability to obtain entry or location
- Added weight from hoarding items can exceed building design loads up to 500% above minimum design standards
- Structural damage including sagging floors, cracks and overall compromising of the structural integrity of the building may occur.
- Pests can cause significant structural damage
How can I Help
DO NOT throw out some ones items if they do not agree to it. Trained professionals will address this issues of the home. **Note it is not about the stuff
- when you hit a road block, do not be argumentative
- when you get frustrated, do not blame or shame them
- do not attempt throw away their items without permission
- don’t take it personal when they are being defensive; if you are overwhelmed, imagine how they feel
- you may not be able to help them clear out their home, but you can help out in different ways: make sure they have safe food to eat, help them get to appointments, help them find specific resources, etc.
- encourage them to seek professional help
- be patient, compassionate and empathetic
- remember hoarding treatment cannot be forced onto an individual
- remember like any other mental illness treatment, the individual must be willing to accept help and eager to take the necessary steps to reach lasting change in their life
Leading Misconceptions and Stigma
- Dirty: most homes of people who suffer from Hoarding Disorder are not dirty. they may be filled with items and are dusty but
- Lazy: Most people who suffer from Hoarding are very active people. Most times they are so busy tending to the hoard and other life issues they do not slow down to take the time to organize and discard items.
- Unintelligent: People with Hoarding disorder are VERY intelligent. Many have gone to college and have been successful at a point in their life. It is when a life event happens and the person is unable to cope with it that some of basic tasks in life become overwhelming and stuff starts to pile up.
- They don't want help: The biggest misconception there is about hoarding disorder is that they don't want help. Individuals who suffer from this are embarrassed, depressed and overwhelmed by their situation. Just like many addictions people are defensive when approached. In the case of hoarding there is even more defensiveness because the individuals cant imagine that others know how they feel or what they are going through. Another big reason for the defensiveness is that not until recently have people starting talking about hoarding nor has there been anywhere for people to turn to for help.
Enforcing and Supporting
When risks to the person and or public are evident the enforcer will have to clarify what conditions need to be met to avoid penalties or consequences.
The role of the Supporter is to provide assistance to meet goals and avoid negative outcomes.
Both roles have should follow guidelines
The role of the Supporter is to provide assistance to meet goals and avoid negative outcomes.
Both roles have should follow guidelines
- Build a trusting relationship
- Make realistic timelines and explain the processes
- Do not exclude the person: Ask permission before touching their items or moving about in their home
- Seek to understand the hoarders perspective: They feel shame/ frustration/ anxiety about their situations
- Use respectful language (verbal and body): Don't call their stuff "trash" or grimace: Start by matching their language (collections, stock)
- Express concerns rather than telling the person what to do
- Always encourage and look at the progress (even if little) and don't look back
- Suggest including more support ie. social workers, family, therapist, home assistance, professional organizer