Helping A Family Member with a Hoarding Problem

Mental health experts estimate that 3 to 7% of Americans have a hoarding problem. When your family member in Daytona Beach, FL, hoards, you may feel angry, helpless, or frustrated with the situation. Understanding how you can help your family member who has a hoarded home allows you to maintain a positive relationship and ensure that your loved one is safe.

Educate Yourself First

Just like flight attendants inform you to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, you need to educate yourself about hoarding before you attempt to help your family member. The more you understand about the disorder, the more likely you are to help your loved one make a positive change in their behavior, explains Help Guide.

Demonstrate Empathy

When you realize that a family member hoards, your initial reaction may involve confronting them. A confrontation will put your family member in a defensive mode, and they will be unlikely to listen to you. By demonstrating empathy for your family member’s situation and treating them with respect, you’re more likely to be heard.

Focus on Your Family Member’s Safety

While a hoard may trigger your sense of disgust, most people who hoard get to a point where they don’t notice the unsightly mess. Instead of focusing on the messiness of your loved one’s living space, focus on their safety. Express your concern that they may fall, get crushed, or have difficulty exiting their home in case of a fire or medical emergency.

Encourage Your Loved One to Seek Professional Support

A hoarding problem is a mental health disorder, and the best way for your family member to recover is with professional help. Many therapists specialize in treating this condition. Some therapeutic methods used to treat this disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical-behavioral therapy.

For more information about helping a family member who hoards or to schedule a consultation for hoard removal services with our team of trusted professionals, contact us at ServiceMaster Professional Services today.