Clean Up
Clean up is a very delicate process because removing or even touching items without the person's permission can trigger great anxiety, anger and even more accumulation than before. There are a variety or organizations and companies that specialize in clean-up of hoarding situations. Depending on the seriousness of risk, agencies will likely determine a timeline for how fast clean-up must occur and whether the person can be involved .
Ongoing Support
People whose hoarding has become a public problem probably need some supportive monitoring for a significant period to prevent a return to former conditions.
There needs to be further study to determine what kind of ongoing assistance a person might need to maintain the dwelling below levels that would necessitate another public action.
Hoarding of Animals
Counseling and treatment of animal hoarders differs as their behavior involves attachments that reflect the complex dynamics of human-animal relationships. The nature of this relationship requires careful probing and understanding in order for any treatment intervention to be successful.
Animal protection organizations such as the Animal Rescue League of Boston will attempt to work with the person to help assess the immediate health needs of the animals, to provide spay-neuter services to prevent further reproduction, and assist with placement options to reduce animals to the number that can be cared for properly.
Ongoing Support
Recidivism after simple removal of the animals is typically high without some form of ongoing support and monitoring.