Although eight years have passed since the world’s top mental health experts classified hoarding as a unique compulsive disorder, the problem persists throughout the country. Researchers say that up to 20 million Americans suffer from this illness, which is described as an obsessive tendency to accumulate troves of objects with no practical value.Because hoarding is historically stigmatized and underdiagnosed, this number is likely a conservative estimate. Even more troubling, hoarding is expected to increase as the population ages and mortality rates rise. But the studies that dole out these numbers understandably focus on hoarders over other stakeholders in the community. Hoarders’ actions impact far more people than reflected in the data. Fires and collapsing structures caused by unstable hoarding situations jeopardize the safety of neighbors and government workers. Even animals suffer. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a quarter of a million animals are hoarded each year. But the people afflicted by the disorder’s worst consequences often live in the same household as the hoarder.
Families deteriorate as high levels of dysfunction, increased conflict and financial uncertainty hinder intimacy and devastate the emotional wellbeing of everyone in the home. Objects overwhelm the space and are guarded zealously by hoarders who are pathologically unable to discard anything they deem valuable. Hoarded items commonly include old newspapers, rotting food, cardboard boxes, pets, excessive piles of clothes and furniture that dominates the home. Space becomes constricted and practically unlivable, prompting hoarders to carve narrow passageways out of the clutter to navigate between rooms.
But despite the extreme measures’ hoarders take to endure these living conditions, the situation cannot be controlled. There is no space for shared activities among the family and no room to use necessary facilities like ovens, showers and beds. In fact, the concept of “space” alters entirely. Children may have to sleep on couches in the living room or in bed with parents to circumvent the clutter. Activities like eating, reading and sleeping are subject to the limitations of space and the normalcy of disorder.
The effect of living like this leads to feelings of isolation, depression and vulnerability. Confounded by the fact that the hoarding family member is usually controlling, stubborn and sensitive to criticism, other people in the home often feel undervalued and powerless. Any attempts to remove the clutter are met with fierce opposition and outrage by the hoarder, who suffers from severe distress when confronted with the notion of losing their valuables. Aware of these consequences, the family usually lives in isolation, refusing to invite friends and relatives over to the home out of embarrassment. These claustrophobic conditions extend to the mind, which is overwhelmed by feelings of frustration, helplessness and anxiety. Financial strains ensue as the hoarder spends money on items that have no discernable value to other family members. As the acquisition of objects greatly outweighs the removal of other objects, credit limits are reached and space disappears, leading to home maintenance fees, financial debt and increasingly frequent family altercations.
Onlooking children often find themselves torn between parents in these situations. Child protective services may be invoked at some point, breaking up the family and degrading the bond between child and parent even further. This possibility weighs heavily on the minds of older children, who often feel compelled to silence for fear that they will be relocated by the authorities. Child protective services are often justified in removing them from the home. Households governed by an extreme hoarder are vulnerable to disease, air pollutants, pests and fires. Children in these homes also face stunted social and cognitive growth as they endure harsh living conditions and parental strife. Moreover, research indicates that hoarding behaviors are learned and adopted by the children of hoarders, who may subsequently pass these tendencies down to their own kids.
The strains that hoarding places on families illustrates why reaching out for help is so important. If you or a loved one are affected by this destructive disorder, please contact Bio-One for assistance. We remediate homes affected by hoarding on a daily basis and can connect you with tools that can help. We are on standby 24/7/365.
Bio-One Flagstaff recently partnered with an amazing non profit called Changed By Nature Outdoors.
It is national, and they do adventures all over the US. They take vets, wounded warriors, first responders, etc on outdoor adventures to try and help them find an outlet to be able to refocus and help with PTSD. They have saved lives this year that would have been lost to suicide but were not because of the program.
Way to go Bio-One Flagstaff! We are always proud of what our Bio-One franchises accomplish.
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Bio-One Des Moines is ready for Urbandale Police Trunk or Treat! This is a great way to be a part of the community and support law enforcement. We love to see our franchises making a difference and getting involved. What a great setup, Bio-One Des Moines!
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Welcome to the Bio-One family Bio-One Asheville and Bio-One Cherokee County! Here they are practicing and learning the tricks of the trade on a real job. Thank you Hope Paffe for showing them first hand what it means to be a Bio-One franchise!
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Kris Elliott from Bio-One SC recently attended the annual SC LEVA conference to support their victim's advocates! Bio-One has the honor of helping those in times of terrible need. While it's rewarding to be of service, we also recognize the situations to which we arrive are often the worst day of someone's life. We will always have compassion and sensitivity for what you may be going through and live by the motto, "help first, business second."
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Akron, Ohio, October 1st, 2019 – Bio-One Inc. has announced the opening of its newest office, in the Akron community. Bio-One offices provide top-notch decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while treating clients with the privacy and compassion which difficult moments demand. This location will serve the Akron area, and surrounding areas, as well as assist all other franchised locations.
Bio-One located in Akron is owned by lifelong Akron residents Babs and Cuyler Costanzo. After spending years in the corporate world, Babs and Cuyler chose to start Bio-One to become more involved in serving their community and helping families in their greatest time of need.
"This is quite an honor for us, to have Babs and Cuyler own an office in the Akron area. The fact that we found a local man and woman who have a passion to help their community gives us great pride at our corporate office that we have the right people owning an office in Akron,” said Jason OBrien, CEO of Bio-One Inc. “Having Babs and Cuyler aboard signals that our constant efforts towards business and service excellence are paying off. We are proud to include Babs and Cuyler and their Bio-One office in our Bio-One family. They exemplify our company motto of Help First, Business Second."
For more information on Bio-One in Akron, please call Babs and Cuyler at (330) 888-5665 or visit www.BioOneAkron.com.
“Bio-One is here to help and serve our community when those are in need”
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 35 States with over 90 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One Inc., visit the Company’s website at www.bioonetemecula.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE BIO-ONE INC.
CONTACTS:
Bio-One
Babs and Cuyler Costanzo
(330) 888-5665
Info@BioOneAkron.com
Bio-One Inc.
Jason OBrien CEO
720-463-3004
Joshua and Rebecca Wallace, owners of Bio-One Flagstaff and Bio-One Scottsdale celebrated National Thank A Police Officer Day this year. Here are they are spending time with their local law enforcement and handing out goodie bags as a thank you.
What a great way to show appreciation and a big thank you to law enforcement from all of BIo-One!
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Welcome two new offices!
Christopher Burns from Gainesville, FL and Babs Soranno and Cuyler Costanzo from Akron, OH. We also have four certified technicians.
This was a great week for Bio-One! Congratulations, we are excited to have you in the Bio-One family.
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Winston-Salem, NC Sept. 10, 2019 – Bio-One Inc. has announced the opening of its newest office, in the Winston-Salem, NC community. Bio-One offices provide top-notch decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while treating clients with the privacy and compassion which difficult moments demand. This location will serve Winston-Salem, the Piedmont Triad, and surrounding areas, as well as, assist all other franchised locations.
Bio-One Winston-Salem is owned by Nadine Black and Anthony Coleman. After spending years in the corporate world, Nadine and Anthony chose to start Bio-One to become more involved in serving their community and helping families in their greatest time of need.
"This is quite an honor for us, to have Nadine & Anthony own an office in the Winston-Salem area. The fact that we found Nadine & Anthony who have a passion to help their community, gives us great pride at our corporate office that we have the right people owning an office in Winston-Salem,” said Jason OBrien, CEO of Bio-One Inc. “Having Nadine & Anthony aboard signals that our constant efforts towards business and service excellence are paying off. We are proud to include Nadine & Anthony, and their Bio-One office in our Bio-One family. They exemplify our company motto of Help First, Business Second."
For more information on Bio-One in Winston-Salem, please call (336) 830-1336 or visit www.BioOneWinstonSalem.com
“Bio-One is here to help and serve our community when those are in need”
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 35 States with over 90 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One Inc., visit the Company’s website at www.bioonetemecula.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE BIO-ONE INC.
CONTACTS:
Bio-One Winston-Salem
Nadine Black
Anthony Coleman
(336) 830-1336
Bio-One Inc.
Jason OBrien, CEO and President
720-463-3004
September 21st is National Thank A Police Officer Day.
If you know one this, is the perfect time to stop them and tell them how much you appreciate the work they do. If you don't know one, stop one on the street or pop in to a local police station to express your gratitude.
Men and women who make the decision to serve and protect our communities on a daily basis deserve our gratitude and respect for their service.
Throughout the year, Bio-One teams show appreciation and support of law enforcement. On 9/21/19, please take extra time to show your gratitude - drop off appreciation bags at the police department, volunteer to bring the department breakfast, thank a police officer, send a note of support, etc.
Bio-One is proud to back the blue! We support you and all you do for us!
