Why Hoarding Is Detrimental to One’s Health
Hoarding disorder is the inability to discard or get rid of goods due to a felt urge to keep them. Excessive collection of items happens, regardless of their actual worth. Dwellings can be full, with only narrow paths twisting among mounds of debris.
People with hoarding disorder may be oblivious to recognize the condition as a problem, making therapy challenging. Therapy can assist persons suffering from hoarding illness to comprehend how their beliefs and actions can be altered to live safer, more satisfying lives.
The Dangers of Hoarding
Uncontrollable hoarding is typically a symptom of some underlying mental problem. Hoarders have difficulty eliminating objects that most would consider rubbish, which accumulates over time to pose a fire risk. Hoarding cleaning may necessitate personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the extent of the hoard.
The Five Levels of Hoarding
The moment you understand the five degrees of hoarding, you will be able to develop a strategy specific to your loved one’s requirements, just as our highly trained specialists do every day in the field.
Level One: Low-Risk Green
This degree is a familiar household ambiance that is a little dirty. Clutter is not too much, all doors and stairways are accessible, and there are no odors. The physical health of the hoarder is low risk; however, the person’s psychological health is a vital indicator.
Level 2: Guarded Blue
This home is habitually chaotic. Mess and smells will remain relatively minimal at Level Two Hoarding. There might also be indicators of mold and mildew growth and a rodent infestation developing. The risk is still slightly lower but higher than in a Level One hoard. A competent organizer and a water damage restoration Glen Allen are recommended to manage water damage problems.
Level Three: Elevated Yellow
Level Three Hoarding will display much of the same symptoms as Level Two, except that scents will become noticeable. The mounds of goods and clothing spills and unhygienic conditions will represent health risks in this stage. Hoarding restoration services are an absolute necessity.
Level Four: High-Risk Orange
Sewer backup, faulty electrical wiring, flea infestation, rotting food on counters, lice on beds, and pet damage to the residence are common symptoms of unsanctioned hoarding. Level Four is highly hazardous to one’s health. A coordinated team of service providers like PuroClean of Powahtan is needed primarily to check for any fire risks.
Level Five: Severe-Risk Red
Level Five has the most challenging hoarding circumstances. Residences will undergo structural damage and become exceedingly hazardous. Rodent infestation is noticeable, and the kitchen and bathroom are unusable because of the mess. Hoarders might collect urine in bottles that are not thrown, and human excrement may pile on the floor.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is manifesting symptoms of hoarding disorder, consult a doctor or a mental health specialist as soon as possible. Suppose their hoarding condition jeopardizes their health or safety. You might need to alert local authorities such as public health, child or elder protective services, police, fire, or animal welfare organizations.
There is no known cure to avoid hoarding disorder because little is known about what triggers it. Nonetheless, like with many mental health issues, seeking treatment as soon as a problem occurs might help prevent hoarding from aggravating.
