What Does and Doesn't Work with People Who Hoard

WHAT DOESN'T WORK

WHAT DOES WORK

Trying to intervene alone or referring to other organizations

Working as part of an intervention team

Expecting that a one-time clean-out will solve the problem

Understanding that the person who hoards will require long term, periodic intervention

Being dramatic, distracted, criticizing, nagging, etc.

Listening without judgment; being planned and steady

Total clean-out unless necessary to protect health, safety and sanitation; surprise clean-outs

Skill-Building

Exaggerating Consequences

Real Consequences

Treating only the symptoms

Treating the issues that are causing the hoarding

Not having goals or plan of action

Being prepared-know available community resources