How To Help A Family Member Who Is Hoarding
Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It's definition is keeping a large amount of items, trouble discarding them, and extreme distress or difficulty in facing day to day life. If you have a family member who is hoarding, it can be challenging and taxing to witness their struggle. Yet, there are several ways you can provide support and help them on their journey to recovery. This article will aim to show you ways to help your family member.
1. Research:
The first step is to learn about hoarding. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available. Understanding the reasons will allow you to approach your family member with understading.
2 . Open Communication:
Establishing open and non-judgmental communication is crucial when addressing hoarding behavior. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns about their possesions. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them.
3. Do Not Criticise:
When talking to them, do not criticise, show concern. Do not blame them, this may make them defensive or restitant. Focus on telling them your worries about their well-being and the impact hoarding has on them.
4. Offer Emotional Support:
Hoarding's linked to trauma, anxiety and emotional distress. Be a supportive presence in your family member's life. Let them know that you care and are available to talk or offer a shoulder to lean on. Sometimes, having someone who understands and listens can provide significant relief.
5. Encourage Professional Help:
Hoarding disorder usually requires professional intervention. Suggest that your family member get help from a mental health professional. These professionals are able to assess your loved one and give treatment for their needs.
6. Offer Help:
If your family member is open to help, offer your help in a supportive and friendly manner. Respect their independence and involve them in the decision-making process. Hoarding is often connected to a sense of control, so let them control the process.
7. Break Tasks into Steps:
Hoarding can be stressful, for both parties. Break down the decluttering process into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on one area at a time, allowing your family member to set the pace. Celebrate each milestone achieved, no matter how small, to encourage their progress.
8. Seek Professional Cleaners / Organisers:
Consider hiring professional organizers / cleaners. Who specialize in hoarding disorder. Emergency Clean UK can provide a stress free service which will make sure their home is a safe space.
9. Safety Plan:
Hoarding creates safety risks, such as fire hazards, structural damage, and health risks. Work with your family member to develop a safety plan that addresses these risks. Make sure that escape routes are clear, and essential utilities stay maintained. By keeping in mind safety, you can help reduce some of the anxiety associated with letting go of possessions.
10. Patience and Understanding:
Recovery from hoarding disorder is a long and challenging process. It requires patience, understanding, and ongoing support. There will be setbacks, but try to remain calm and do not become frustrated or critical. Celebrate each small victory.
Here at Emergency Clean UK, we understand how stressful this situation can be. No one wants to live in an unsafe home and we never want our family members to be somewhere where know they're not safe.
Our service will make their home a home again. A home with no waste and a sanitised enviroment.
If you would like to learn about our service, click the button below and get a free quote today.