Hello Everyone,

I first want to say that I really appreciate the information provided on this site and message board it has been helpful.
I am in my early 50's and beginning a Master degree in Public Health, whereas my goal is to work with the environmental health issues and mental health issues of family members as they are related to living in or being affected by hoarding.
I had a mother who was widowed in her early 60's and became reclusive despite my efforts as an only child with my own family, to motivate her to take care of herself and her home.
After almost 12 yrs of feeling emotionally exhausted, frustrated, and helpless and watching the home literally fall apart, and she having no will to clean, or care for herself, social services got involved due to the exterior of the home, and I agreed to allow them to take her into temporary protective custody, removing her from the home which was then condemmed.
The home still stands with all its contents in foreclosure and I can bear to venture even near the street its on, my childhood home.
I placed her into a nursing home where she began to feel more enthusiastic about life, however she passed almost 2 yrs ago.
Since then I remember how tremendously helpful the various professionals were in helping me understand her specific issues, and that it was not uncommon just unspoken.
I was told that she lacked "survival skills", which is an innability or understanding of taking care of self and responsibilities.
I remember the sadness of the holidays and her preference to sit in her clutter and infested home, drinking and eating in an unsafe manner.
I think about others who are living this nightmare today, and I am trying to focus on how to begin my own business and or work with a team to address not only the variety of harmful environmental issues as a result of hoarding, but help to family members that don't know where to turn.
Any advice from anyone would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.