There are limited access to many parts of the home. Level 4 Hoard – No floors are starting to fill up and functionality is almost non existent. Level 3 Hoard – In addition to horizontal surfaces being filled, the perimeters of rooms start filling as well, encroaching on the living spaces. but the home is still usable and there is open floor spaces. Level 2 Hoard – Typically horizontal surfaces are covered, including countertops, tables, desks, etc. But the scale needs to start somewhere, right? Level 1 Hoard – Very minor clutter that causes no issues with functionality. You can see the levels and photo examples of each below. The other important part to hoarding is the inability for the person to let go of items, no matter the importance or value of the item. Can you sleep in your bed? Can you take bath or shower? Can you cook in the kitchen, or eat at the dinner table? If you answer no to questions like this, then hoarding is most likely present. So, if you don’t know if a situation is hoarding or not, just ask yourself if all the spaces are functional. The main criteria for hoarding is when the amount of clutter (any types of objects) impedes with the functionality of a home, so rooms cannot be used for their intended purpose. Remember level 5 hoarding cases do not happen overnight, so a level 2 or 3 can quickly become a level 5 if proper methods are not utilized to prevent it. There are 5 levels of hoarding, 1 being minor clutter and 5 being blocked rooms, pathways, animal/human waste, limited ingress and egress, etc. This means that functional areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and dining rooms cannot be used for their intended purpose. The easiest definition of hoarding is when the amount of acquired clutter prohibits functionality in the home.
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