The Connection Between Hoarding and Death

Hoarding is a complex psychological disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of possessions, often to the point where living spaces become unusable. 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. Houston 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. Houston, 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. Houstonhas 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. Houston 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. Houstonprofessionals 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. Houston 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 (346) 370-3130 for a free quote. We can answer your questions and tell you what you can expect in the cleanup process. 

T.A.C.T. Houston 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. Houston.

*Services offered vary by location