Chuck,
I think you handled this very appropriately. You are absolutely correct that you can't help someone that doesn't want help. The best advice we give people is to be supportive and use motivational statements to help them see things that could be better or things they miss that their hoarding had caused. Making negative statements will only cause a hoarder to become defensive and judged. Offer them help when they are ready and let them know you will be there when that time comes and hopefully someday your phone will ring and they will be asking for help.

Cory Chalmers
Hoarding Expert
HoardingCleanup.com
www.1800HOARDERS.com

I'm not sure I have a sound answer for this because I am also dealing with a family member who is living is a dirty, smelly, extremely hoarded house. My sister will take on stray cats to "save" them. This probably stems from a divorce and a mother who "wasn't there" for us growing up. My mother was there, but never participated in any of our activities and such. With that being said, I too had to read and learn about how to deal with this situation.
Durning this past Holidays (Dec 2011), I walked in to my sisters home and almost threw up from the smell and air quality. There was a small path from the front door in the kitchen, with both sides of the sink piled high with dirty dishes and food... I went no further into the house and didn't say anything judgemental or negative. I stayed for 5 minutes... I told her I loved her but was hurt that she chose to live like this. I told her I would help her if requested and put her in touch with specialists if SHE requested. Remember, this is all on their terms. You can't force help on anyone if they don't realize they have a problem. I am there for her, but will not be visiting anytime soon unless she reaches out. Some people may find this as a terrible statement, but until you've seen and experienced a situation like this... you can not judge me.

Hey guys, I'm really glad I found this website!! Well sorry if I post this question in the wrong spot I didn't really know where this would fit. Anyway my mom's I guess you would say borderline hoarder. I mean her house is for the most part bareable. The main thing that really concerns me is she has alot of cats...more than she can afford. and everytime I confront her and try to help her get rid of some of the cats she always tries to change the subject or becomes defensive. I did say her house is bareable but u wouldn't even be able to take a step into the garage. They recently took care of a roach infestation problem they've been having for awhile and the one I feel the most for is my 16 yr old brother...he doesn't need to go throught this while he is trying to focus on school....sorry if this was too long or in the wrong spot but I just don't know what to do. I mean it really hasn't bugged me much until last time I went to vist (this was in May) but it also hasn't been this far down cat-wise. I was thinking about putting her on one of the hoarding shows but I couldn't dare put her through the humiliation. The past few months has been a constant battle with talking some sense into her and when I go home for Christmas I don't want do anything that's gonna make her real mad at me.... IDK if this matter but I'm 21 and just moved out last July. If anyone reads this, do you have any advice??