Who gets a Hoarding Disorder
What is a Hoarder
First, in general , Hoarders are people that look and act like everyone from any gender, race or nationality although they are usually older , late 40s or above. Often they may be professionals (lawyers, doctors, business owners etc) and highly intelligent people that function completely like everyone else outside. But, once they are within their property, the idea of living with lots of clutter is completely fine to them. In almost every case we (EXIT Cleanup) have dealt with there has been a significant issue or traumatic situation that triggered them to want to hold on to items in ways that most would not. Its often a death, divorce, home tragedy such as a fire or flood from a hurricane such as Katrina, where they lost significant property or worse , a loved one. Usually there is a traumatic incident that causes them to just want to hold on to things. Of course it's their right to do and live how they seem fit. But often, they want help once it becomes overwhelming, embarrassing or too much to handle or due to health risks or issues they have to get help. Of course that is why we here at Exit Cleanup exist. We are here to help. We can clear out that clutter and get the property back to a safe and manageable situation. We listen, and help you with the compassion and professionalism you deserve.
What is hoarder disorder? The People with hoarding disorder have persistent difficulty in parting with possessions or even trash items due to a perceived need to save the items. Attempting to part with these possessions can create a considerable distress for them which generally leads to them saving these items. This be be irrational to most of us, but to them it is comforting. This often leads to a growing pile of clutter and items which can consist of everything from trash to unopened items still in boxes. This is not collecting like a themed and organized collection of items such a figures or baseball cards, although some hoarders may have thousands of the same items such as beer cans or a type of food or item the use often. In general the items acquired by people with a hoarding disorder lack a consistent theme, whereas those of collectors are focused on a particular topic. In contrast to the care, organization and proud display of items seen in collecting, a hoarding property is unkept, damaged or dirty and disorganized clutter and trash. That is the hallmark of hoarding disorder.
This over abundance of possessions disrupts the ability to use living spaces which often leads to little use of specific rooms, areas, appliances or larger parts of the home. As these possessions grow into piles and dominate areas it become increasingly harder for anyone to walk through. Serious clutter and odors are present and many times old food and garbage often bring in rodents which can cause serious air quality issues especially if they also have pets who may defecate and urinate on or in the clutter where no one can get to it to clean it. Often paths are made that may have materials piled many feet high all around which leads to a dangerous possibility of collapse and the hoarder being trapped within the clutter, or other serious safety issues such as electrical fires, mold issues, animal and insect infestations and a serious air quality issue. Often windows can't be reached to be opened for fresh air, rodents and insects are through out leaving rodent droppings and feces everywhere, air filters can't be reached, and many times sinks, tubs and appliances and cabinets can no longer be reached so there may be old food issues, leaks and even bathrooms and other rooms are closed off. It becomes a very tight and unhealthy living condition. This is a dangerous situation and at this level if reported this must be dealt with because the home is uninhabitable. We see many of these homes and we make them so much better, its not impossible, its our job.
Many people may be hoarders and no one knows until they are found from either and emergency health issue from a 911 call or worse such as their death in the clutter. It happens often. We always look at cleaning out a hoarding property as a positive job for us when the hoarder calls us or they are in a safe place and alive. Because we also have to deal with the alternative jobs when we have to clean up a death scene in a hoarding property because they fell, had an accident, collapse and were trapped until they passed and sometimes we have to help with the body recovery because they are burred within the clutter and no one can easily find them. Those are very hard and sad days. We prefer to help make the property better for the hoarder while they are alive of course. All of our clients who have had us come clear their properties have always been so much happier once we finish. Its a weight lifted and they have their property back to a livable and safe home.
How many people are hoarders? Its hard to say but some studies have it at 6% of the population worldwide. Due to the level of secrecy and embarrassment, hoarders generally don't ask for help easily. Some will be forced to deal with the situation due to family members, health issues or government intervention. The best way to help is to listen to the hoarder and their needs and also help them see the safety issues and concern people have for them. Compassion is a key element when trying to help. As stated above, the situation is often caused by a tragedy or issue so these people are hurting and this is their coping mechanism but many want help but find it overwhelming. But that being said the many health risks that come with this disorder also need to be addressed and sometimes a bit of compromise and serious help make all the difference. Of course it can be overwhelming for one person to try to take this on, but that's where a good team comes in handy. We can be your muscle and rapidly and affordably clear out the hoarding situation for you. Exit Cleanup understands and is your team if you need us.
