How serious is the hoarding? Can you walk through the house? Are the utilities and appliances working, so she can use the bathroom and cook? Less serious cases of hoarding are tackled fairly simply by just going through the clutter with her and deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss. Some hoarding is simply the result of not wanting to tend to doing something at the moment -- too lazy or don't feel like it. More serious cases of hoarding are due to mental problems where the person buys too much and can't let go for fear they will need it later -- either that or they attach memories to things. The type of clutter gives a good idea what the problem might be and how best to approach it. If it is the serious kind, she will need some professional help to quit buying and let things go.
My parents were hoarders. My mother was the worst. However, it was fairly simple to deal with her compared to the problems I've seen on TV... except for clothes. She will not let go of her old clothes that fill one complete room and several closets. I think it is because they represent who she once was, so she doesn't want to let that go.
Cleaning up a hoarding situation is a huge amount of work as I'm sure you know. Since she can't afford to pay for help, I think you should look into charity options. If her hoarding is "tv worthy" you might be able to get one of those shows like Hoarders to take on her case. That's probably a longshot, but you never know till you try. Another option would be to talk to some churches that are active in the community and see if they would be willing in the name of charity to put together a large group to help her. You could talk to your local Area Agency on Aging too.
BOY DOES SHE EVER KNOW SHE HAS A PROBLEM, SHE ACKNOWLEDGES IT. NO THERE IS NO CASEWORKER, HER FUNDS ARE MINAMLE.. SHE JUST DOESN'T KNOW WHERE TO GET HELP.I THINK HER HOUSE IS MAKING HER EVEN MORE SICK. SHE HAS FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONITC FATUGUE SYNDROME.. SHE IS TAKING STEPS TO FIND A HOME FOR HER 7 CATS. FORGIVE MY SPELLING... I HAVE HELPED CLEAN THE KITCHEN & GET KITCHEN PLUMBING UP & WORKING,, IT'S MORE THAN SHE & I CAN HANDLE TOGETHER, BUT SHE HAD NO PROBLEM THROWING THINGS OUT. SHE IS ALSO TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF DYING FATHER WHO LIVES IN ANOTHER LOCATION. WHERE DO I GO TO GET HER HELP? THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY..I AM A NOVICE AT COMPUTER STUFF...
www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/
http://www.olderpa.org/Resources/Documents/Resources%20for%20Dealing%20with%20Individuals%20Who%20Have%20Hoarding%20Behaviors.pdf
Google is your friend.
My parents were hoarders. My mother was the worst. However, it was fairly simple to deal with her compared to the problems I've seen on TV... except for clothes. She will not let go of her old clothes that fill one complete room and several closets. I think it is because they represent who she once was, so she doesn't want to let that go.
Is there a case worker involved? If so, I'd ask that person for suggestions about what resources are available.