How Loved Ones Can Intervene in a Hoarding Situation: Navigating the Process and Getting Professional Help

By The Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga CountyJanuary 1, 2025

Hoarding is a complex condition that can severely affect both the individual who hoards and their loved ones. While people who hoard often resist help, intervention is sometimes necessary to prevent further harm and ensure the person’s safety and well-being. Loved ones may feel unsure of how to begin this process, especially given the emotional and logistical challenges involved.

Here is some useful information that concerned family members, friends and professionals can use to intervene in a hoarding situation, and what steps are involved when first responders or professional organizations get involved.

How Hoarding Situations are Discovered

Hoarding is rarely something a person will seek help for on their own. Most individuals with hoarding behaviors do not recognize the full extent of their condition or are reluctant to part with their belongings. Because of this, hoarding is usually discovered in one of the following ways:

  • Emergency Intervention: First responders such as police, fire safety personnel or paramedics may discover hoarding during an emergency call when they need to enter the home to address a situation, like a fire or medical emergency.
  • Utility Company Visits: A utility company employee may notice hoarding when they visit to read meters or address a problem, such as a broken pipe or power outage.
  • Family or Neighbor Referral: Concerned family members or neighbors may reach out to services or organizations to address the issue, especially if they notice health or safety risks.
  • Health Emergencies: The individual may become ill or injured, prompting the need for home-based services.
  • Relocation Needs: If the individual must move or downsize, hoarding may become apparent, as they may struggle with the emotional and physical toll of organizing or discarding items.
  • Eviction Proceedings: If the individual faces eviction, it may be discovered through legal processes.

Understanding Legal and Practical Limits

Intervening in a hoarding situation is not as simple as entering a person’s home uninvited, as several legal restrictions limit access to private property. Understanding the circumstances under which intervention can occur is crucial for loved ones:

  • Emergency Situations: Police and fire safety personnel can only enter the premises without the individual’s consent if they have a warrant or if there is an emergency, such as an imminent threat to life or property damage. This includes situations where swift action is required, such as a fire or to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
  • Housing Enforcement: Housing enforcement authorities may be allowed to enter a home without permission in specific situations, such as when utilities are disconnected, especially during winter months. However, the rules governing this vary from city to city, and it is important to contact the Chief Housing Inspector for guidance.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): APS can only enter without consent if they have a court order, which must be enforced by the police. This usually occurs if the person is at risk of harm and refuses assistance.
  • Health and Human Services: Agencies that provide health or home-based services generally cannot enter the premises without permission. If the individual is unwilling to allow these services in, significant effort must be made to engage them. This may include emotional support, repeated offers of help, and addressing any fears or concerns the person may have.

Family and Friends: How to Approach the Situation

If you are a loved one concerned about someone who hoards, your first step is to approach the situation with compassion and patience. While it can be emotionally challenging, your support can make a significant difference in the individual’s willingness to engage with help. Here are some strategies for approaching the situation:

  • Start with Empathy: Begin by acknowledging the person’s feelings and fears around their possessions. Hoarding is often driven by emotional attachment, anxiety and a fear of loss. Respecting these feelings is critical for building trust and avoiding conflict.
  • Offer Support, Not Criticism: Be gentle when discussing the need for help. Avoid focusing on the state of their home or criticizing their behavior. Instead, offer assistance with specific tasks, like organizing or sorting through items, rather than trying to remove everything at once.
  • Seek Professional Guidance: If your loved one is resistant to help, consider involving a therapist or professional organizer who specializes in hoarding. These professionals are trained to navigate the complex emotions and behaviors associated with hoarding.
  • Be Patient: Understand that intervention and progress may take time. Hoarding behaviors are deeply ingrained, and it may take repeated attempts before your loved one agrees to any changes.

When Professionals Get Involved

In some cases, outside professionals may need to intervene, particularly when the situation is unsafe or the individual’s mental and physical health is at risk. Here’s how the process typically works when first responders or professional organizations are called to act:

  • Emergency First Responders: In cases of immediate danger, first responders may enter the home without permission if an emergency situation arises. For example, if a fire breaks out or if medical assistance is needed, the hoarder’s safety is prioritized, and action will be taken to address the crisis.
  • Professional Hoarding Support: Once a hoarding situation is identified, professionals such as therapists, social workers or organizing specialists can step in. These professionals help the individual confront the emotional challenges of letting go of possessions, reduce the overwhelming nature of the clutter and create manageable plans to improve the living environment.
  • Adult Protective Services and Legal Intervention: If there are concerns for the individual’s well-being and they refuse help, APS may step in to assess the situation. If the person is at risk of harm, a court order may be obtained to grant entry and enforce necessary actions.

Building Long-Term Solutions

Once intervention occurs, the goal is to help the individual improve their living situation in a sustainable way. This involves both physical decluttering and addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to hoarding. A combination of therapy, practical support, and understanding can lead to lasting change. Support from family, friends, and professionals is crucial in helping the person navigate the difficult process of overcoming hoarding behavior.