The key to successfully approaching a hoarding help situation is understanding that the victim is struggling with a mental health condition and needs as much help and support as possible. Sometimes, families and communities may force someone struggling with hoarding to “get their life together” or proceed with a cleanout without the person’s consent, and this is just as dangerous as not helping at all.
Care, compassion, and deep understanding are three fundamental elements to tackle a hoarding situation, and Bio-One of Oceanside’s specialists knows this better than many. The reality is that hoarding hurts a person’s life, and many hazardous conditions result from these scenarios. Bio-One’s goal is to help victims, and families get the help they need, build trust and ensure they understand that there is a way to overcome hoarding. It might not be easy, but that’s what we’re here for.
We are sharing the Dos and Don’ts when staging a hoarding intervention and how our specialists can help and guide you through this increasingly common condition, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be understanding, and DO NOT force the victim to clean and throw away their possessions
For someone struggling with Hoarding Disorder, belongings and possessions have different meanings. Whether it’s due to a traumatic life experience, or a history of mental health conditions, these possessions gained an emotional value that needs to be untwined from the person with care and understanding. If you plan on staging an intervention for someone you know struggling with hoarding disorder, do not force them or pressure them to give away, throw away, or clean out the property.
It’s important to build trust throughout the process, help the person understand that there are health and safety risks associated with the clutter, and that, for their wellbeing, you wish to help them restore the house to a proper living space. Bio-One of Oceanside's specialists are here to help you approach a hoarding help situation with care, compassion, and understanding. Our technicians are trained to be mindful of all possessions and will work closely with everyone involved to ensure the person’s comfort and trust.
Be patient, and DO NOT judge the person or the situation
If you wish to help someone overcome hoarding, you must have realistic expectations of the situation. Remember, these are not easy scenarios to deal with. Victims may resist parting with their belongings, which may be overwhelming for the people trying to help as well.
If the person feels attacked or judged, they will shut themselves down, making it harder to move forward with the intervention or decluttering process.
Instead, you could phrase your words in a sensitive but, again, realistic way. For example, instead of saying something like, “How could you live in such a mess?” try saying something like, “Let’s clear out the walk area. It will be safer for you to move around the house.” and consult with the person for the things that may be of value.
Hoarded properties are dangerous. DO NOT lose focus. Be kind, but also be assertive
As you approach the situation, it’s important to keep clear that hoarding is dangerous, and it can become a problem not only for the victims but for the families and community where the person resides. These conversations may be uncomfortable for them, but those wanting to help need to educate themselves to educate their loved ones in terms of the dangers of living in a hoarded property.
Bio-One of Oceanside's specialists can help you tackle hoarding situations with deep care and compassion. We are also prepared to clean, disinfect and decontaminate the property from all the biohazardous situations resulting from hoarding.
Consider getting help from professionals, be realistic
In most cases, hoarding can be treated to mitigate the person’s tendency to hoard and compulsively acquire things. Help from mental health professionals can greatly benefit the person struggling with hoarding and give families a broader perspective on what it means to deal with hoarding. Sometimes, hoarding is tied to other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Still, it is up to a professional to take better care of the victim and treat them so that they have a positive outlook on hoarding.
Hoarding Help: Bio-One of Oceanside is here
If you or someone you love is struggling with hoarding, let Bio-One of Oceanside's specialists help you. Our main goal is to help you get your life back on track and your house safe and clean so that you can live a fresh perspective and outlook on life. We will work with you, assisting you with whatever it takes to overcome the situation.
Independently Owned & Operated!
Bio-One of Oceanside is the #1 Disinfection, Sanitation, and Decontamination Company in North San Diego County, providing professional, industry standards services in all kinds of extreme scenarios:
Recovery Services
- Crime scene cleanup services
- Trauma scene cleaning services
- Blood and biohazard cleaning services
- Undiscovered or unattended death cleaning services
- Homicide/Suicide cleaning services
- Feces and bodily fluids cleaning services
- Mold remediation services
- Water damage restoration services
- Emergency vehicle decontamination services
- Fentanyl cleanup services
- Medical waste disposal services
- Tear gas cleaning services
- Sewage backup cleaning services
Hoarding cleanup services
- Hoarding cleanup
- Animal hoarding cleanup
- Gross filth cleanup
- Deep clean
- Junk removal
- Homeless encampment clean-out
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Nicotine stain/odor removal
- Odor removal
HELP FIRST, BUSINESS SECOND!
Bio-One of Oceanside springs into action to assist survivors when a traumatic event occurs. We work with local law enforcement, emergency responders, victim advocacy organizations, hoarding task forces, apartment communities, and insurance companies to ensure that you receive the greatest service feasible.
We have been an independently owned and operated business since August 2020 to help our community through difficult and unexpected situations. Our certified technicians are caring, compassionate, and discreet, and we are ready to help you in your most significant time of need.
We are proudly serving North San Diego and surrounding communities!
Bio-One is a proud member of the Southern California Rental Housing Association and Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista Chambers of Commerce. Bio-One serves all of San Diego County and neighboring regions, including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, Fallbrook, Escondido, San Marcos, and Bonsall.
We also serve the Southern Orange County cities: San Clemente, Dana Point, Rancho Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, and Costa Mesa.
Our services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Give us a call at 760-429-0729.
