Clutter is a fact of life for most people. Some of us would not want others to look in our closets, attics, basements or "junk drawer." Clutter can come from many reasons. For some, it is the way they have always lived their lives. Others are still waiting for that rainy day to deal with it. Some are very creative and love to have lots of stimulating things around them. But for others, the clutter of items starts to impede their daily living. Compulsive collecting leads people to keep irrational feelings attached to items. This can become dangerous, both to their health and safety.
Hoarding problems have been hitting the news more frequently, especially with the television shows sensationalizing this issue. But the hazards are still there. Fire hazards may cause the fire department to step in and demand the home be cleaned up. Children's Aid Society may remove children from a home until the hazards are no longer an issue. Insurance companies may cancel insurance, putting your mortgage in jeopardy. The city may demand the home be uncluttered and repairs done or the building will be deemed unsafe to live in or condemned. If the person has health issues, emergency services may not be able to get a stretcher into the needed area, as maneuvering through the cluttered home becomes impossible.
Property damage may occur if there are large amounts of heavy items in areas of the home that exceed the load limits. Stacks of items may collapse, hurting or trapping a person. Roof leaks, window leaks, electrical, plumbing and septic issues are not dealt with if not accessible. Rodents and insects invade areas that are not tended to. Some people will not allow repair people in the home due to embarrassment of their living situation. Issues compound on themselves, creating more feelings of helplessness for that person.
When a person's health fails, their cluttered home could be the cause of their medical issues (ie failing lungs due to mold or dust inhalation.) Whether they have reactions to the mold, feces, bugs or rodents, their home is no longer safe for them to live in. Even if a person has extra services arranged for themselves (ie nursing care, Meals on Wheels, housekeeping, CCAC, etc) the home clean-up duties may fall beyond the scope of work any of the usual services provide. The home needs to be uncluttered and cleaned up. Learning how to let go of items is a must. When searching for help, compassion and discretion are key factors to look for. Dignity should never be sacrificed to get the clutter under control.
Hoarding problems have been hitting the news more frequently, especially with the television shows sensationalizing this issue. But the hazards are still there. Fire hazards may cause the fire department to step in and demand the home be cleaned up. Children's Aid Society may remove children from a home until the hazards are no longer an issue. Insurance companies may cancel insurance, putting your mortgage in jeopardy. The city may demand the home be uncluttered and repairs done or the building will be deemed unsafe to live in or condemned. If the person has health issues, emergency services may not be able to get a stretcher into the needed area, as maneuvering through the cluttered home becomes impossible.
Property damage may occur if there are large amounts of heavy items in areas of the home that exceed the load limits. Stacks of items may collapse, hurting or trapping a person. Roof leaks, window leaks, electrical, plumbing and septic issues are not dealt with if not accessible. Rodents and insects invade areas that are not tended to. Some people will not allow repair people in the home due to embarrassment of their living situation. Issues compound on themselves, creating more feelings of helplessness for that person.
When a person's health fails, their cluttered home could be the cause of their medical issues (ie failing lungs due to mold or dust inhalation.) Whether they have reactions to the mold, feces, bugs or rodents, their home is no longer safe for them to live in. Even if a person has extra services arranged for themselves (ie nursing care, Meals on Wheels, housekeeping, CCAC, etc) the home clean-up duties may fall beyond the scope of work any of the usual services provide. The home needs to be uncluttered and cleaned up. Learning how to let go of items is a must. When searching for help, compassion and discretion are key factors to look for. Dignity should never be sacrificed to get the clutter under control.
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