Hoarding Resources
Assessment Tools:
The Clutter Image Rating Scale was developed by Randy Frost and associates in the USA as a way to address the inaccuracy of self-reports of hoarding behaviours. The tool is used to gauge the impact of hoarding behaviours on an environment and is well validated through research. The Clutter Image Rating Scale can be used to support the assessment of hoarding behaviours, development of interventions and identification of environmental risks. The tool is available in PDF file formats.
The link will redirect to the International OCD Foundation list of hoarding resources where you can select the "Clutter Image Rating Scale" to download.
Risk Assessment and Risk Management:
The “Reducing Fire Risk” fact sheet provides clear recommendations to reduce the risk of fire in properties where there is excessive accumulation of possessions.
Excessive accumulation of possessions significantly increases fire hazards, posing threats to occupants, support workers, and emergency responders. Hoarded materials can obstruct exits, hinder emergency service access, and rapidly fuel the spread of fire, making it difficult to control and extinguish. Additionally, the clutter can hide potential ignition sources and delay the detection of fires, leading to increased property damage and loss of life.
The Saving Inventory (SI-R) is a 23 item self-report assessment tool consisting of 3 subscales which measure the core diagnostic criteria of hoarding disorder: difficulty discarding, clutter and excessive acquisition. The tool uses a 0-4 scale and is the most used measure of the severity of hoarding symptoms. The Saving Inventory is well validated through research. The tool is available in PDF format.
This link will redirect you to the PsychDB website
The “Reducing Risk to Workers” fact sheet provides clear recommendations to reduce the risk of illness, injury, and contamination in properties where there is excessive accumulation of possessions.
Support workers often face hazardous conditions, such as unstable piles of items, biohazards, and limited maneuverability, which can lead to injuries or health issues. Protecting support workers is crucial not only for their well-being but also for maintaining the continuity and quality of care provided to those in with an excessive accumulation of possessions.