I have personally dealt with many different types of hoarders and have always been surprised at the many similarities but have never lost sight that you should not allow the mess or chaos to let you forget that as odd as the situation may be the Hoarder is still a Human being and should be treated with respect. Time should be taken to figure out how to truly help the person of concern and not just focus on ripping their property or animals from them. There are laws protecting them, so I have witnessed many people work closely and well with them to get the location clean and safe and if animals are involved to get the proper help they need. I have also witnessed the wrong way to approach the situation and if anything, making the situation even worse. When dealing with a Hoarding situation you must understand the law and leave your Ego at the door. By day's end, it becomes evident that a hoarding disorder is a profoundly serious issue, impacting not only the individual experiencing it but also their close connections. If a cherished person in your life grapples with hoarding disorder, you may experience feelings of anxiety, anger, helplessness, and isolation. It's crucial to recognize the validity of your emotions, as assistance is available for both you and your loved one. You can actively contribute to ensuring they receive the support they need.
5 Ways to Support a Loved One Who Is Hoarding.
 Watching someone you love to amass huge amounts of wealth can be difficult, especially when it seriously affects their overall health.  A good support system is vital if they are to receive appropriate help and treatment.  This is how you can offer support and show that you're there for them, no matter how hard it gets.
1. Acknowledge the existence of a problem in your loved one. Hoarding disorder is a significant mental health issue that can be debilitating. It's crucial to understand that individuals with hoarding disorder may not be aware of their problem initially. If you're looking to assist a friend or family member grappling with hoarding, it's essential to acknowledge the legitimacy of their mental health challenge. Providing support and understanding is key, any additional research on a hoarding disorder can be beneficial. Contacting a mental health professional for insights into the implications may also be helpful.
2. Approach the subject with love and empathy. Beyond recognizing the link between hoarding and mental health, it's vital to address the matter with compassion. Listen to their concerns and seek to understand their perspective without passing judgment. Engaging in conversations with a loving tone, as opposed to using anger or accusations, can foster more constructive discussions and make them more receptive to change.
3. Be gentle yet assertive. While approaching the issue with empathy is crucial, friends and family members should also establish boundaries in a compassionate yet firm manner. This is especially important when discussing how hoarding impacts the living environment for everyone involved. Conveying the consequences of their hoarding from a place of care can help them comprehend the wider impact and enable you to set necessary boundaries.
4. Offer reassurance that there is hope. Facing a hoarding disorder can be overwhelming and frightening. Supporting your loved one includes informing them about the existence of evidence-based treatments that can help them manage their challenges and create a more habitable living space. Express your support by assisting them in researching available resources and encouraging them to seek help when they feel ready.
Hoarding and the Law! Is Hoarding Against the Law? Hoarding is now a recognized mental disorder or disability. Hoarders are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the American Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as several local and state housing laws. Associations cannot deny or evict homeowners because they are hoarders.
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  What are the levels of a Hoarder?
1.      Clutter, but no concern
The lowest stage on the hoarding scale generally means a person isn’t at risk of being a hoarder and doesn’t require action from you. If someone fits into this category, their home is a bit disorganized, safe, and sanitary. The space will have the following conditions:
·        All stairways, doors, and windows are accessible.
·        Sufficient ventilation
·        An appropriate number of pets live in the environment.
·        Fire and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.
·        No unpleasant odors
Clutter may be present in small amounts, but it’s temporary and recognized by the homeowner. The person in question also takes care to maintain a consistent housekeeping routine.
2. Deteriorating hygiene, possible hoarder
If someone exhibits symptoms from the second stage on the hoarding scale, that should raise concerns but may not automatically suggest a hoarding diagnosis. A person who fits into this category might need professional cleaners to organize their space, which will have the following:
·        One important exit blocked with clutter
·        Pet feces and hair in parts of the house
·        Problems with some of the electric and plumbing systems
·        Overflowing garbage points
·        Dirty dishes, laundry, and mold growing in different spaces
At this stage, the person will have an inconsistent housekeeping routine, but likely an awareness that their home is deteriorating in hygiene.
3. Extreme disorganization, likely disorder
This stage is the threshold between a messy, cluttered environment, and one that may be a hoarding environment. The space will be noticeably disorganized and overwhelming, and the individual’s behavior may be changing. Physical signs in the house include:
·        Insect infestations from ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, and lice
·        Piles of objects obstructing key living areas
·        Multiple broken appliances
·        Untidied spills and breaks left for days
·        One room is not being used for its intended purpose (e.g. the bathroom used for storage)
Both medical and cleaning professionals should be called if you worry that someone has reached stage. When in contact, specify the details of the person’s living conditions and behavior.
For example, if they have become more secluded, refuse to have the camera on during video calls, or struggle to throw items away that clearly have little or no value.
4. Excessive clutter & behavior, contact professionals
Someone fitting stage 4 symptoms is deemed highly likely to have a hoarding disorder. Housing agencies, protective services, elderly services, and animal control may need to be contacted to restore the place of residence, which will contain:
·        Structural damage in the home (e.g. water damage, broken doors, plumbing)
·        An excessive number of pets and pet waste
·        Clutter prevents entrance to stairs, rooms, and exits.
·        Expired and rotting food.
·        Odors and backup in sewage points
A coordinated team of cleaners will be needed in this circumstance, alongside mental health experts, social workers, and possibly financial counselors. The homeowner will likely show anxiety about needing items in the future or become distressed when others touch and suggest removing their belongings.
5. Severe unsanitary conditions, hoarding diagnosis
The highest stage on the scale indicates a severe hoarding condition. The affected individual may even be going through legal proceedings like divorce, guardianship, custody, or eviction because of the state of their home. The housing environment will require intervention from a number of professionals as well as family and friends, who can easily identify:
·        Extreme indoor clutter makes key living spaces unusable.
·        No ventilation
·        Irreparable damage to the home’s structure
·        Disconnected water and/or electrical services.
·        Pervasive mold and mildew
·        Animal health is at risk, and animals are a danger to humans.
At stage 5, anyone entering the home will require full personal protective equipment such as face masks, safety goggles, gloves, hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit. The cleaning process will also require specialized tools and chemicals to safely restore livable conditions and remove harmful bacteria.
Coming to terms with the possibility of a loved one being a hoarder is not easy. However, acknowledging when someone may need help can have a hugely positive impact on their journey ahead. Once you’ve accurately determined which stage they’re in, you can move forward with processes like arranging a professional clean-up team to make their home a sanitary, comfortable space again.