Hoarding help now available online Are you or a loved one facing issues with hoarding ? You can get expert help through the successful Buried in Treasures program
Reality television shows such as Channel Nine ’ s Space Invaders or the American version , Hoarders attract a wide audience - it can be cathartic and fascinating to watch people go through the process of clearing and organising their clutter .
But for people struggling with
Catholic Healthcare ’ s Buried in Treasure Program 2022 .
hoarding tendencies and their loved ones , there ’ s a much more serious side to the issue .
The team of hoarding experts at Catholic Healthcare help older people address these challenges with one-onone support as well as their successful , free online program , Buried in Treasures ,
kicking off on 8 March . “ Buried in Treasures offers social connection and acceptance for people with hoarding tendencies in a nonjudgemental supportive environment ,” says Mercy Splitt , Catholic Healthcare Hoarding & Squalor Manager .
“ It ’ s about addressing the root causes of the problem , not just the product of physical clutter .”
The 15-week program is designed to support older people who have hoarding tendencies , and it ’ s free to older people eligible for the government ’ s Commonwealth Home Support Program ( CHSP ).
Originally designed as an in-person support group , the move to an online format means that the twice-yearly program is now open to people across NSW .
Participants meet in a small group to learn why they struggle with excessive acquiring , and develop skills and strategies to begin decluttering and manage the hoarding behaviour . Debbie *, one of 75 participants who completed the program last year , found Buried in Treasures invaluable .
“ The others in the group helped me realise that I ’ m not alone ,” Debbie said .
“ I also understand now that this is a psychological problem - it ’ s not just as simple as wanting to have lots of things .” To find out more about Buried in Treasures at an information session or to register for the program commencing 8 March , visit : webchcs . com / bit or call : 0498 006 330 .
* Name has been changed to protect privacy .
HOW YOU CAN HELP If you have a family member or friend dealing with hoarding , Mercy has some advice on the best way to provide support .
Step back from the immediate situation and try to understand the reasons why someone collects – emotional attachment , a response to life events , trying to prevent waste .
While the situation can be frustrating , be empathetic , supportive and avoid judgement .
Be patient – it ’ s a long process so once an individual is on the path to addressing the problem , be sure to acknowledge all the small steps and achievements .
Rely on us to :
• Gently guide you through all planning and arrangements
• Assist in obtaining all necessary certificates and registering documents
• Answer all of your questions
• Carry out your requests
• Be there to provide support through this emotional time
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26 ISSUE 142 // MARCH 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT