The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers prescribes that “[t]he primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” Social workers specialize in a wide variety of different populations and social situations. As I work through my Master’s of Social Work, a particular oppressed population in need of empowerment that I identified to work with are compulsive hoarders.
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| A hoarded home, as shown on TLC's "Hoarding: Buried Alive" |
Compulsive hoarding is a pattern of behavior that is characterized by excessive acquisition and an inability to discard large quantities of objects that inhibits basic function in living quarters. Some hoarders even hoard animals! Hoarding can place the hoarder and cohabitants at risk of injury, fires, sanitation hazards, health concerns and prohibit basic activities like cooking, cleaning, sleeping, and moving through different parts of the residence.
Popular reality shows have dramatized cases, as shown on A&E’s “Hoarders” and TLC’s “Hoarding: Buried Alive.” Roughly 3-5% of the American population is affected by hoarding disorder. Hoarders need to be understood on unique levels as solely relying on mass cleanouts can lead to a residence becoming re-hoarded or dangerous, frustrated reactions from the hoarder. From focusing on clutter, hoarding clients, and their families – hoarding will be a challenging yet intriguing field to tackle professionally, as all are moved towards healing.
1 comment:
I agree with all that you said. This article was concise and easy to read. I had that hoarding mentality and it wasn't healthy. I eventually broke free from it. People can change if they WANT to change.
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