How and when to intervene in cases of severe domestic squalor

Background: Little has been published concerning how best to intervene in cases of severe domestic squalor. Methods: Background literature and reports on how best to intervene in cases of severe domestic squalor were reviewed. Results: Reports by groups in London (Ontario), and Sydney (Australia) have provided recommendations for development of coordinated services to intervene in cases of squalor. Guidelines have been issued. Treatments for compulsive hoarding may contribute to improvement in cases where squalor is attributable to restricted access due to clutter. Conclusions: Effective interventions in cases of severe domestic squalor are commonly expensive and require good inter-agency collaboration. Budgetary support must be available to enable appropriate services to take on cases and provide case management.