How do you help a family member who hoards compulsively? My father's house is a risk to his health and safety. The volume of mess impedes movement around the house as well as the rooms' function (ie- he can't cook in the kitchen because there's 5 feet of clothes piled upon the stove, or shower in the bathroom because there's stuff stored in the tub, etc). But what really worries me is the health risks that I just know are lurking in every crevice: animal waste, mold, mildew, rotting food, bugs, and God knows what else. I'm also worried that he's going to trip over his stuff and hurt himself. And as for being a fire hazzard, I know he'd never make it out in time. I've tried cleaning his house for him, but I have since come to understand the futility of doing so. The mess just comes back without treating the underlying cause of WHY he lives this way. What can I do to help him? Are there support groups I can steer him towards? Advice and links would be appreciated...
2007-05-13
19:54:17
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8 answers
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asked by
aas_627
4
in
Mental Health