It’s never easy to try to help an adult hoarder restore some order to their home. We have cleared enough of these homes down these years to wonder whether an earlier intervention might have helped. We came across guidelines from Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea concerning self-neglect, hoarding and adult care we share here.
However, we are duty bound to say that we provide these tips for information only. That’s because we are hoarded house clearance service providers, and are therefore not qualified to provide medical advice of any kind. Please speak to your social welfare if in any doubt whatsoever what to do in a situation like this:
A Hoarded House Encountered by Avery Associates ©
A Checklist for Self-Neglect, Hoarding and Adult Care
If you are concerned about your friend or relative’s hoarding, then you should visit them first to decide whether you can, or should perhaps do anything about it.
- It’s best not to try to approach this on your own. Take someone with you for a second opinion, and emotional support if you need it.
- Try not to judge the situation in terms of your own values. Some household waste dumped outside the house is not necessarily a serious matter.
Let the dust settle for a few days before reaching any conclusions. Share what you saw with several other people, before deciding whether the self-neglect and hoarding indicate a need for adult care. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea article suggests the following could guide a wise decision. Do you see any reasons for real concern about anything across these dimensions?
- Physical and psychological health
- Ability to continue with daily living
- Recent signs of any deterioration
- Physical environment and nutrition
- Social network, including carer support
- Risks and outcomes of any intervention
Is the Hoarder Open to Accepting Help?
It’s important to remind yourself at this point that hoarding is not an offence waiting to be prosecuted. We have cleared many hoarder’s homes before, and taken whole van loads of waste to recycling depots in Mitcham, Beckenham, and numerous other Greater London towns.
A Hoarded House After Clearance by Avery Associates ©
Compulsive hoarders are not insane people. They just cannot throw anything away that might be useful in future. They may even ‘rescue’ suitable items from fly tipping sites to add to their ever-growing collection.
However, there may come a time when they accept they need a clear out, and a fresh start. If your hoarder has reached that stage, or senses it coming on then they may be open to accepting your advice. Avery Associates offers a service that may be just what you need!
How Avery House Clearance Services Helps
Clearing a hoarder’s home can be a daunting experience, what with stuff piled up everywhere and difficulty knowing where to start. Avery Associates has a team of dedicated clearance specialists, who understand just how traumatic this can be. They are also careful to sift through everything, and account for anything of value they find.
You can trust them to work responsibly, and provide the rapid, effective, sympathetic and highly confidential solution you need. This will allow your hoarding friend or relative to make a fresh start with their lives. With your help, and an Avery house clearance, they could turn over a page and make a fresh beginning!
A Sitting Room with a Long-Forgotten Purpose Avery Associates ©
What To Do If the Hoarder Refuses Help
You can’t force your opinions on a person with compulsive hoarding syndrome. However, if you genuinely believe they are mentally unwell, then Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea suggests you discuss concerns with your local welfare. They will know what to do in terms of the Mental Health Act.
Self-neglect, hoarding and adult care are not easy topics to face on your own. That’s why we recommend accepting help from your local council office, if you find yourself on your own. Hoarders regard their habit as normal and can respond sharply when confronted. This is not something you want to tackle on your own.
Avery Associates can help you with the nuts and bolts of tidying a hoarder’s house, including from a deceased estate, and preparing it for rental or sale. We have done this many times before, and have a great reputation for quality service that eases the transition.
Read Avery Associates Reviews
Dear Jeffrey
I want to extend a heartfelt thank to you and your team for the hero’s work that you all did yesterday at the house in Highbury. You made a stressful day simple and I honestly could not believe how the house looked when your team had finished. Spotless, completely clear and ready for the new owners. I’ll be proud to hand the keys over.
Everyone was thoroughly professional, friendly and courteous and totally low maintenance. From the quotation process through to completion yesterday afternoon it has been impressive and delightful to work with you. Rest assured I would have no hesitation in recommending you to either friends or colleagues.
Many thanks for your help – it was a pleasure doing business. With all good wishes. Imogen.
