Continued from Hoarding Signs – ServiceMaster Restore Series
By stage three of hoarding, the problem gets more serious as family and friends start to voice concerns.
Hoarding Signs – Stage 3
HOME:
- Damage to home is visible from exterior
- Electrical outlets are blocked and it is difficult to move through the house
- Hoarded items have extended to the porch and yard
- Pets are allowed to use the bathroom inside the home
MIND:
- Hoarder compromises some daily activities like eating, showering and socializing
- Performance at work starts to suffer
- Family has voiced concern
- Hoarder avoids human interaction; interacts almost exclusively with pets
By stage four of hoarding, a job loss has occurred and the hoarder is withdrawn and out of touch with reality…
Hoarding Signs – Stage 4
HOME:
- House has structural issues
- Mold, dust, and water damage exist throughout the home
- Living conditions may include bad air quality, rotten food, feces and vermin in the house
- True fire hazards and dangers exist throughout the home
MIND:
- Now living in a “cockpit”; furniture and bedrooms are no longer accessible
- Job loss occurred
- Hoarder is fully withdrawn, depressed and no longer paying bills or following social norms
- Out of touch with reality
Stage Five is the final stage of hoarding as symptoms have reached their peak.
Hoarding Signs – Stage 5
HOME:
- Home is no longer safe
- Complaints have been filed or local officials have already been involved
- Water and power no longer run in the home; restroom options have been compromised
- Very little living space exists
MIND:
- No separator of day and night
- Personal relationships no longer exist
- Signs of other mental issues and conditions have set in
- Hoarder exists in complete isolation from the outside world
- Social services are likely now involved
For professional hoarding cleanup services call ServiceMaster NCR at (202) 318-2245!
