Family plays an important role when to come to overcoming hoarding or any other addiction or disorder. Since the patient has more than likely dropped out of their social circle and is encountering very little or no social interaction, the patient’s family play a large role in recovery. (Neziroglu & Donnelly, 2009)
Family members are encouraged to call therapists and other doctors that specialize in hording to get help for the patient. Some of the first visits with a professional in the hoarding area, may not have the patient present at all. Most patients experiencing hoarding have poor insight to their problem , so they are less likely to go find help on their own or endorse their symptoms. Family members and therapists/doctors can devise intervention plans, and treatment options for the hoarder. The more interaction, support, and information a family can give to the patient, the more likely hood for cleaning up and staying clutter free. (Neziroglu & Donnelly, 2009)
When the patient is confronted with the hoarding issue, and the problem just keeps increasing, family members are recommended to form an empathic united front, confronting their loved one in a systematic and deliberate manner. Carefully planned interventions with family members, friends that have witnessed/been impacted by the hoarding, and children should all be encouraged to partake. The more exposure to the damage the patient is inflicting, the higher rate of a realization. (Neziroglu & Donnelly, 2009) The intervention should be ran just like any other intervention, but it shouldn’t be an attack by the whole family on one person.
Once the patient has accepted or started to see the problem of their ways, its encouraged for the family to undergo treatment together. Attending together builds a support system, motivates the change, and tends to have high rate of continued therapy and clean-outs. (Neziroglu & Donnelly, 2009) The biggest key is after treatment is complete, the family/ support system that was built during this time cannot abdomen the patient. The patient is more likely to revert back to their hoarding ways when left alone. So regular visits or even moving a family member or friend in with the hoarder after the clean up, is a good tool to ensure success.