The Connection Between Hoarding Death

Hoarding is a complex psychological disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of possessions, often to the point where living spaces within a house become unusable. Individuals who hoard accumulate items in a disorganized manner, creating clutter that poses safety risks and severely affects their living conditions.

While hoarding itself is a challenging issue to deal with, it can sometimes intersect with another alarming problem: undiscovered deaths. It is not uncommon for family members to find a hoarding situation that they weren’t aware of after an undiscovered death.

This article will discuss the reasons why hoarding and undiscovered deaths often go hand in hand, learn about the steps you should take if you or someone you know is facing this situation, and how using a professional biohazard remediation company like T.A.C.T. - Trauma and Casualty Team can help you during this difficult time.

Part 1: The Connection Between Hoarding and Undiscovered Deaths

• Isolation and Neglect: Hoarders tend to isolate themselves from family and friends, making it easier for their deaths to go unnoticed for extended periods. Their increasingly cluttered living conditions can further obscure any signs of distress.

• Declining Health: Hoarding often leads to poor sanitation, hygiene, and hazardous living conditions. These factors can contribute to a hoarder’s declining health, increasing the risk of sudden death.

• Avoidance of Authority Figures: Hoarders may avoid visits from authorities or service providers, such as healthcare workers or utility personnel, making it less likely for someone to discover their demise.

• Reluctance to Seek Help: Due to the stigma associated with hoarding, individuals may be reluctant to seek help from professionals or even reach out to family members when they need assistance.

Part 2: Steps Families Should Take

• a) Recognize the Signs: It’s crucial to recognize the signs of hoarding early on, such as excessive clutter, social withdrawal, and deteriorating living conditions.

• b) Open Communication: Initiate a non-confrontational conversation with the hoarder. Express concern for their well-being and offer support rather than judgment.

• c) Seek Professional Assistance: Enlist the help of mental health professionals, therapists, and support groups specializing in hoarding disorder. Their expertise can guide you in providing the necessary emotional support.

• d)Safety Assessment: If you have concerns about the hoarder’s immediate safety, or they have stopped responding to you when you call or text,  contact local authorities or emergency services for a wellness check. A police officer will be dispatched to the person’s home to check on them.

Undiscovered Death

In cases where someone has passed away, commonly referred to as an undiscovered death, the body may not have been found for days, weeks or even months. Decomposition requires professional cleanup to ensure all biohazards, bodily fluids and odors are permanently eliminated through the use of specialized equipment and cleaning agents. Do not attempt to clean it up yourself! There could be the presence of dangerous pathogens, bacteria, mold and airborne particles that could make you sick.

It is recommended to contact a professional biohazard remediation company like T.A.C.T. North Atlanta to safely and thoroughly clean and decontaminate the property. Our certified technicians thoroughly cleanup the property, following the cleaning and disposal guidelines set forth by federal, state and local governing entities, and return it to a safe environment. Furthermore, we will handle the situation with discretion and compassion, as we understand this can be extremely emotionally distressing for the family.

Part 3: How T.A.C.T. Can Help

T.A.C.T. North Atlanta, is a professional biohazard remediation company specializing in cleaning and restoring hoarding environments, as well as addressing the next steps following an  undiscovered death. Here’s how we can help:

• Expertise: T.A.C.T. North Atlantahas the experience and training to understand the unique challenges of hoarding and biohazard cleanup. We use industry-standard procedures to ensure a safe and effective remediation process.

• Biohazard Removal: T.A.C.T. North Atlanta safely removes and disposes of biohazardous materials such as bodily fluids, mold, and vermin infestations that may be present in hoarding environments, according to federal, state and local guidelines.

• Decontamination: Thoroughly  clean and decontaminate the property to return it to a habitable and safe environment.

• Compassion and Discretion: T.A.C.T. North Atlantaprofessionals approach these sensitive situations with empathy and discretion, understanding the emotional toll it takes on families. We arrive in unmarked vehicles to ensure privacy.

The connection between hoarding and undiscovered deaths is a concerning issue that demands attention and understanding. Families dealing with such situations should prioritize open communication, seek professional help, and consider the services of a company like T.A.C.T. North Atlanta to ensure a safe and effective cleanup process. By addressing both the hoarding disorder and the biohazard remediation, families can work towards healing and restoring their lives. Contact us today at (404) 985-5461 for a free quote. We can answer your questions and tell you what you can expect in the cleanup process.

T.A.C.T. North Atlanta provides 24/7 emergency biohazard decontamination services for residents and businesses in the local communities that we serve. We specialize in clean up from suicides, homicides, crime scenes, trauma scenes, undiscovered death, blood spills, bodily fluids, vehicle decontamination, odor removal, dangerous pathogens, decontamination, sanitizing, tear gas, drug labs, mold remediation, hoarding, rodent droppings, and specialized cleaning services that vary by location*.

We work with all insurance providers, are licensed, bonded, and insured. We handle your situation discreetly and empathetically. When you call T.A.C.T. for help, your call will be answered by an owner or manager, never a call center or answering service. Our technicians are certified and highly trained in the latest methods. If you are in need of emergency assistance to clean up following a traumatic event, call T.A.C.T. North Atlanta.

*Services offered vary by location

Understanding Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the accumulation and failure to discard large quantities of possessions, leading to cluttered living spaces and significant distress or impairment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), hoarding disorder is a distinct mental disorder that can have serious consequences on an individual’s quality of life. It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from hoarding disorder. This condition can severely impact daily functioning, making it difficult for individuals to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. Understanding the nature of hoarding disorder is the first step in addressing its challenges and seeking appropriate help.

The Impact of Traumatic Life Events

Traumatic life events, such as the loss of a loved one, can trigger the onset of hoarding disorder in some individuals. Research suggests that people who experience traumatic events may be more likely to develop hoarding disorder as a way of coping with their emotions. The accumulation of possessions can serve as a misguided attempt to fill the emotional void left by the trauma. Additionally, hoarding disorder can also be a symptom of other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and depression. These co-occurring conditions can complicate the treatment process, making it essential to address all underlying issues to achieve effective outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms of Hoarding Disorder

The signs and symptoms of hoarding disorder can vary from person to person, but common characteristics include:

• Difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, even if they are no longer needed or useful

• Accumulation of clutter in living spaces, such as homes, apartments, or offices

• Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of life due to hoarding

• Avoidance of social interactions or activities due to shame or embarrassment about living conditions

• Difficulty organizing or categorizing possessions

Recognizing these signs early can help in seeking timely intervention and support. Hoarding disorder not only affects the individual but also has a profound impact on their overall quality of life.

The Effects on Family Members

Hoarding disorder can have a significant impact on family members, who may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or frustrated by the individual’s behavior. Family members may also experience emotional distress, anxiety, or depression due to the hoarding. In some cases, family members may feel forced to take on the responsibility of cleaning up the clutter or managing the individual’s finances. This added burden can strain relationships and create a cycle of stress and resentment. Support groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), can provide valuable resources and support for family members affected by hoarding disorder. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and find strategies to cope with the challenges of living with or supporting someone with hoarding disorder.

Hoarding and Mortality

Hoarding disorder can have serious consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health, including an increased risk of mortality. In extreme cases, hoarding can lead to fire hazards, unsanitary living conditions, and social isolation, which can all contribute to a higher risk of death. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), hoarding is a significant fire hazard, and fires in hoarded homes are more likely to result in fatalities. The excessive accumulation of items can block exits and make it difficult for fire crews to navigate the home, increasing the danger for both residents and responders. In addition, hoarding can also lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other health problems, particularly in older adults. These conditions can exacerbate existing health issues and lead to a decline in overall well-being. Addressing hoarding disorder is crucial not only for improving quality of life but also for reducing the risk of life-threatening situations.