Hoarding is a condition that affects the person who suffers from it, as well as those who love and care about the individual.

As a child, seeing your parent suffer from the condition of hoarding can give rise to a large number of emotions, from anger to sadness, bitterness and despair.

In most cases, the condition can seem so overwhelming that the loved one becomes unsure of how to help the situation improve. Without proper information and understanding about the condition of hoarding, increased stress among the family and even a crisis situation may develop.

The most challenging aspect in helping a hoarder parent is knowing where to start. Below are several tips that can help you know where to begin and how to handle the situation you are enduring with your parent. Remember, you are not alone.

1. Educate yourself about the condition and behavior.

From books by experts in the field to the International OCD Foundation website, excellent resources on hoarding are available for the family to familiarize themselves with. As you may have discovered, the help needed for the condition goes far beyond the reaches of simply cleaning up a messy home.

It is most likely that your hoarding parent has become isolated, less active and distant through the years and skills may be needed to be regained in order to live out a productive life. Resources are available to help you understand the condition you are faced with and the treatment plans that are the most beneficial to everyone involved.

2. Seek professional help as needed.

Depending on where you live, experts in hoarding may or may not be available; however, a local therapist is a great place to start the process.

While there are a not a lot of therapists who specialize in this behavior, a cognitive behavioral therapist who is familiar with the condition and is willing to learn may prove to be an excellent resource and help for the family. Reach out and get the support you need during this time.

3. Be patient and offer kindness in any situation.

As a loved one, it is important to remember that help for your parent is not a “quick fix,” as skills are needed to be taught through therapy and training. Problematic behavior must learn to be managed, and this process takes time and effort.

The best thing you can do for your loved one is to offer kindness and patience to every situation. Praise and encouragement should also be offered throughout the entire process.

4. Avoid common traps that may sabotage efforts.

Since the treatment process is slow and methodical, many family members and loved ones feel that by helping the hoarder make decisions regarding their possessions they are in fact helping things along quicker.

This is not the case and can be detrimental to treatment. Stand back and allow the hoarding parent to take the most active role in de-cluttering.

Sandra Cook is the marketing director at Aegis Lodge in Kirkland, assisted living and memory care. For questions, call (425) 814-2841.