I will be a guest on a special edition of "Call Kira About Aging" broadcast in the Rockford, Illinois area today, Monday, March 26, 2012. The show will be on (Midwest time) between 5-6 pm (3-4 pm California time). WNTA, 100.5 FM/1330 AM.
http://www.nta.fm/ You can listen "live" in the area or stream online.
Be sure to catch Kira's show each day this week on WNTA. You can also listen to her archived shows from KSRO 1350 AM (a wealth of information about seniors and aging) at
http://www.callkira.com/.
Our main topics will be Compulsive Hoarding and Chronic Disorganization.
Here are some great resources for more information and help on these topics.
How to find a local professional organizer with special training:
You
can do a zip-code search for organizers in your area at this link (do a
wider search of 75 miles or greater in less populated areas):
http://www.challengingdisorganization.org/content/find-icd-organizer-or-related-professional
Websites I recommend:
Institute for
Challenging Disorganization (formerly National Study
Group on Chronic Disorganization), http://www.challengingdisorganization.org/
The ICD explores, develops and communicates information, organizing
techniques and solutions to professional organizers, related professionals and
the public. Referrals to professional organizers with training and experience
with chronic disorganization and compulsive hoarding. Free information sheets
on chronic disorganization, clutter, compulsive hoarding and the ICD
Clutter-Hoarding Scale, (http://www.challengingdisorganization.org/content/clutter-8212-hoarding-scale)
Great wealth of services, information and an annual Hoarding Conference
open to professionals and the public.
Provides information and assistance. It covers the definition
of hoarding, professional articles on multiple aspects of hoarding, a Research
Digest for hoarding related scientific papers, self help and support group articles, a
hoarding/compulsive buying screening test, and useful information about this
medical disorder.
Site with information, resources and links for children of hoarders,
family and friends. Very comprehensive. Lists therapists, organizers, hoarding
task forces by state and local area.
Created by a former “messie” with resources, information, and support
for those living in squalor and friends and family.
Books I recommend:
Buried in Treasures, Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving and Hoarding, Tolin, Frost and Steketee
Written by three researchers currently working with hoarders to find
answers. Written to the person with hoarding issues, a self-help type format
with many sidebars written to friends and family. Step-by-step approach with
exercises in each chapter.
Digging Out, Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding and
Compulsive Acquiring, Tompkins & Hartl
This book is written to the loved one of a hoarder utilizing “harm
reduction” techniques to “help your loved one live more comfortably and safely,
salvage your damaged relationship, and restore your peace of mind.” Emphasizes
a “team” approach with the hoarder, family, therapist and appropriate agencies.
Planning worksheets.
Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding, Neziroglu, Bubrick and Yaryura-Tobias
Self-help strategies for the hoarder. Step-by-step approach with
exercises in each chapter an individual can use to clear clutter and change
thoughts and habits (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Messie No More, Sandra Felton
One of several books written by Felton, herself a former “messie.” She
also runs the Messies Anonymous website.
Online Self-help:
