U n d e r s t a n d i n g  H O A R D I N G.

Important part of getting help is the willingness to change.

Some may feel the best solution would be to clean the house without the person's consent and there are actual Proffesional Organizers that could tackle such problems.

But there are a few reason why this may not always be the best solution.

This would only be taking away the result and not the cause.
While this may prove to be an initial motivation to some persons, this also doesn't mean they are ready/willing or even able to change.

If you consider that this is a life- long situation for some, you may also see that most may have a reaction of extreme distress, which without adequate proffesional help may proove detrimental for the patient.

Especially with Ederly Hoarders who have been living this way for a long time, this sudden and abrupt change may cause more distress than relief.

Finding a lasting solution/motivation is an important issue.
Asking for someone to help is always an extra, but the point is in trying to keep things clean.
Like with any other form of OCD, you may need to find help through Therapy and/or Medication.
Specific forms of Behavioral Therapy show the best results.
Remember, no 1 wants to live in a house full of junk.

Parents who Hoard have known to fear that Social Instances will take away their kids if they would find out how they lived, people isolate themselves since they can't invite people over and going out isn't always easy either.
While shame is understandable from a human point of view, try and look past that.
Start by realizing this is a true disorder and that there is help for you.

Don't judge the person for the mess that is around them. They are still the people suffering most from all of this. They may seem content at times, but this is often part of the "hopeless" acceptance because they are unable to ask or look for help.

Accepting the mess is often "easier" than confronting the condition.

Tell yourself that they might be feeling very ashamed and pressure and judging won't help at all.

Look up all you can, inform yourself and talk to the person about the available help that is out there.
Just cleaning up for them won't solve the problem, OCD is a mental disorder and you can't fight this fight for them but you can try to fight with them or give them a reason to fight.

There is hope for change and there are many others that have these problems.
Join them to Suppourt Groups if they allow you to, listen to them and try to be understanding.

Also realize that to them it's not mere junk, or that they are much more used to how their place looks like.

Try and open their eyes, but do so in an understanding and gentle way.........
If they are willing to change, there is hope.........