Case Study: Supporting “Robert” Through Hoarding
Hoarding is a complex issue that affects people of all ages, but it can be especially challenging for older Australians. What might start as holding on to sentimental items or putting off housework can, over time, become overwhelming. Piles of belongings, cluttered rooms, and unsafe walkways not only create health and safety risks, but also impact emotional wellbeing and independence.
At Sistability, we understand that hoarding is never just about “too much stuff.” It’s often linked to grief, trauma, mental health, or simply the gradual build-up of belongings when someone can’t manage tasks on their own. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, respect, and patience.
One of our aged care clients in Ballina, Robert (name changed for confidentiality), is a powerful example of how a sensitive, step-by-step approach can make a big difference.
What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is more than ordinary collecting. It is defined as the persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. People who hoard often experience significant distress at the idea of letting go of items, even if those items are broken, expired, or have little use.
Some of the common challenges hoarding creates include:
Health risks: Dust, mould, and pests can accumulate in cluttered spaces.
Safety hazards: Blocked walkways, stacked belongings, and cluttered floors increase the risk of falls.
Fire risks: Excess clutter can make it harder to escape safely in an emergency.
Emotional strain: Living in a cluttered environment often causes stress, anxiety, or embarrassment.
Loss of independence: Severe hoarding may lead to eviction, or push someone into residential care when they could otherwise remain at home.
Because of these risks, specialised cleaning for hoarding requires more than just practical cleaning skills. It requires compassion, time, and a willingness to work alongside the client, at their pace.
Robert’s Story
Robert, an aged care client living in Ballina, has lived with hoarding behaviours for many years. His home gradually became cluttered and difficult to navigate, making everyday activities harder and less safe.
When we first began working with Robert, it was clear that a single intensive clean would not be suitable. An all-at-once approach can be traumatic for people living with hoarding — it can feel like a loss of control, and in some cases, cause further distress.
Instead, we worked with Robert, his care team, and his support network to develop an ongoing, specialised cleaning plan tailored to his needs.
Our Step-by-Step Approach
For Robert, the best option has been a staged clean, completed slowly over time. Each week, our team visits his home to focus on a few manageable tasks.
Some weeks, that might mean sorting and carefully clearing a section of clutter. Other weeks, it might involve deep cleaning a bathroom or sanitising a kitchen area. Bit by bit, the progress builds — and Robert can see his home becoming more comfortable and safer without feeling overwhelmed.
This approach suits Robert for three main reasons:
It’s manageable: Tackling small areas at a time reduces stress and makes the process less daunting.
It fits his budget: Spreading the work out allows the cleaning to be affordable and sustainable.
It builds trust: Seeing the same Sistability team each week creates consistency and reassurance, making Robert more comfortable with the process.
The Impact So Far
While Robert’s journey is ongoing, the difference already shows:
Walkways are becoming clearer, reducing fall risks.
Key areas like the kitchen and bathroom are cleaner and safer to use.
The environment feels more liveable and less overwhelming.
Robert feels supported, not judged — which makes him more engaged in the process.
Most importantly, this approach is helping Robert remain in his own home in Ballina. Instead of facing the risks that unmanaged hoarding can create, he’s gaining confidence and dignity in a safer environment.
Why Compassion Matters in Hoarding Cases
Hoarding is deeply personal. Many clients have emotional attachments to their belongings, and clearing them without consent can cause distress or even trauma. That’s why our specialised cleaning services for hoarding focus on:
Empathy and respect: Listening to clients and working with them at their pace.
Collaboration: Involving care coordinators, family members, or other support services where needed.
Flexibility: Offering staged cleaning, one-off intensive cleans, or a mix, depending on the client’s situation.
Long-term sustainability: Helping clients reach a manageable baseline, and then supporting them with regular maintenance if required.
Sistability’s Role
At Sistability, we know that specialised cleaning isn’t just about houses — it’s about people. For clients like Robert, hoarding is not solved overnight, but with patience, structure, and care, homes can be restored to safe and comfortable environments.
Our hoarding and specialised cleaning services in Ballina and the Northern Rivers include:
Gradual and respectful decluttering.
Hazard remediation and sanitisation.
Ongoing cleaning plans tailored to budget and needs.
Support for complex cases involving aged care or disability.
Moving Forward
Hoarding is a sensitive and complex challenge, but it’s one that can be managed with the right support. Robert’s story shows that with patience, respect, and the right cleaning plan, it is possible to restore not just a home, but a sense of dignity and independence.
👉 If you or someone you care about is living with hoarding and could benefit from specialised cleaning support in Ballina and across the Northern Rivers, contact the Sistability team today. We’re here to help — one step at a time.
