My research covered approaches that try to understand the cognitive processes of individuals who live in squalor, and strategies to manage it. In the United States, an individual who lives in this way is increasingly recognised as having a disability, and therefore ‘reasonable adjustments’ need to be made in respect of their accommodation and in helping them maintain it.

A number of US housing organisations have mainstreamed this thinking into their housing policies, and perhaps this could be the way forward in Britain.

How it works is: the housing organisation employs a specialist support worker (sometimes called a ‘professional organiser’ or ‘clutter-relief coach’) who has training in ‘chronic disorder’ techniques and helps the tenant to discard objects and organise their living space. Where the tenant fails to comply with a support plan, it may be necessary to apply to court for an order to involve appropriate health professionals.

Typically, a specialist cleaning service is also engaged to clear away any clutter that presents a health and safety or fire risk. Often the situation is never completely ‘cleared up’, but with persistence, it can be managed and the tenancy sustained.

In the long run a proper support strategy can be cost effective, both in terms of resources to the housing organisation and the social cost to the individual affected.

The key is that the individual is recognised as having a disability and therefore requires assistance, rather than viewed as someone who actively ‘chooses’ a reprobate lifestyle.

Awareness of squalor/hoarding should be incorporated into housing organisations’ training to enable housing officers to engage with a difficult situation rather than opting for eviction as the default position.

Deni Kittay, housing policy officer, NPT Homes (writing in a personal capacity)

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment