FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS
Some estimate that hoarding and acquiring disorders affect up to 6% of the US population. Due to increased awareness of these disorders, and mental health issues in general, the number of people seeking help with recovery is climbing. Furthermore, family members, neighbors, and others concerned about health and safety issues are reporting hoarders to municipalities and social service agencies hoping for intervention. Unfortunately, most service professionals have had little direct experience working with this vulnerable and complex population. Likewise, there are typically no structured intervention plans in place to help the hoarder and the stakeholders who may have an interest in seeing the property cleaned up. That is where we can help.
· We collaborate with first responders in crisis intervention situations to assist the hoarder in accepting help while addressing immediate threats to the health and safety of both the household residents and community.
· We work hand-in-hand with licensed mental health professionals to address co-morbid mental illness and provide recovery coaching using a Frost/Steketee based approach to avoid recidivism.
· We serve as a "mediator" in cases involving municipal intervention in order to ensure effective communication between the hoarder and building/code officials and to assist the hoarder to bring the property back "to code" within agreed upon timeframes.
· We provide written hoarding assessments, photo, and video documentation for probate court matters, including: estate issues, guardianship, divorce, protective orders, custody, etc.
· We work with case managers and social service agencies to protect, advocate for, and assist with the transition of geriatric and disabled clients to safe and healthy housing.
· We provide remediation services to property management companies, banks, landlords and families who have been left with a hoarded home.
Additionally, we offer free-of-charge, the following services to all groups as our primary goal is to help educate the public about hoarding and compulsive acquiring disorders and the recovery process.
· Hoarding and Compulsive Acquiring: An overview of the causes, complexities and consequences of the disorders.
· Hoarding and Compulsive Acquiring: The ethical and effective road to recovery.
· Hoarding and Compulsive Acquiring: How to communicate with those who suffer and help motivate them towards recovery.
· For Service Professionals: How to assess the severity of hoarding; Tools of the Trade
· For Municipalities: Setting up a Community Task Force for Hoarding Intervention
If there is another related topic that you do not see covered above, please feel free to contact us. We are always willing to customize a program to meet the needs of your organization.