To the editor:
Re: City hall mobilizes inspectors in war against hoarders," Sept. 5.
My home turned into a disaster zone after I became disabled many years ago when I could no longer clean my home. Like many others living with disabilities, it would not surprise me in the least to learn that so called "hoarding" cases increased when government funding for home support services were dropped for everyone who did not require "personal care."
It is all very well to counsel individuals to buy only what is needed, to regularly throw things out, and dump the junk mail, but what is supposed to happen when you end up being too sick to manage the cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping etc. that is necessary for every day functioning?
People with disabilities end up having both their living situation and medical situation deteriorating when they do not have the necessary resources: family, friends, or money to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. Counselling alone will not solve the "hoarding problem" created by neglecting the sick. Providing practical assistance is not only necessary but essential.
Natasha Wolenski, Vancouver
