Hello,
I am sorry to hear the situation you are faced wtih. I agree that there are a few ways you can attempt this, but all of it still going to be determined by how willing she is to "let go". I would obviously suggest therapy if she already isn't going, and specifically a therapist trained in CBT. My name is Cory Chalmers and I built this website. My company (Steri-Clean "Hoarder Helpers")has offices in California so if the time comes when she is ready for professionals to help her clean her home we would be happy to work with her. We have been assisting hoarders for 16 years and understand the hoardin disorder like nobody else. We would be happy to meet with her and provide her with a free estimate and just talk to her and her family about how we can help. I thinnk sending family members to perform a cleanup will only work if those members can remain non judgmental and not let the family emotions get in the way. It is very difficult for most hoarders to work with family members because of the ongoing feud regarding the situation. Please let me know if you have any questions. You can reach us at 1-800-HOARDERS (1-800-462-7337).

I have a niece in the Sacramento area who I would like to help get her cluttered home cleaned. Formerly a immaculate housekeeper, a series of family losses and some medical problems have reduced her energy levels and over the past year her house has become totally useless for her family due to the clutter. She is so embarrassed that she doesn't want us to come visit her anymore! Her husband and 2 young children sure how to help. With a background in counseling, I know this is not a mentally healthy situation for any of them and it appears that we need almost an "intervention" of sorts. My niece has softened a bit to the idea of letting me and my sister come for a few days (we live out of state) and see if we can help them reclaim their home. I know it is more than we can do by ourselves however. We have even considered sending the family away for a brief vacation and getting a professional, sensitive, and trustworthy cleaning crew to come in and help us do the job. How would I go about finding such a company in the Sacramento area and getting rate quotes, etc.. If I could get something like this arranged I would be willing be willing fly out there and help. Can you give me any helpful advice or leads? Thank you!