linda sister

She has had an assessment, and they have told her she is too unstable for CBT. Instead, they are offering psychological assessment and medication review. Luckily (or not?) she is an owner- occupier... Thanks for the book suggestion.

. My sister, 63, lives in appalling conditions due to hoarding and other rituals preventing her from throwing rubbish out. This time last year she set fire to herself accidentally, due to all the rubbish surrounding the gas cooker, and was severely burnt. She allowed me into her flat for the first time in 30 years, as she couldn't manage anything. I live in Italy, she is in south London, so all very difficult. I cleared a lot, and arranged for a deep clean, and a cleaner, but it all returns to how it was. This week, she set fire to her flat, as she cannot throw cigarette butts out, and put a smoldering cigarette into the bin liner full of butts, then went to sleep. Luckily, she woke up and called the fire brigade before the flat (and those below) caught fire properly. She is still smoking, lighting up when I talk to her, won't throw butts out etc. She had an assessment, but has been told there is a 50 week waiting list. She seems very unwilling to engage with change, will not use the self help books I have sent, refuses to go out for a walk (unless to buy fags or beer). She has no friends, refuses to see my adult children, who would try to help. I am very worried about her, but also very angry with her, and cannot stop thinking about the families in the flats below her. I called a 24 hour helpline and explained my concerns, but they just advised her to teke the drug she is already (sometimes) taking. I have no idea how to support her, apart from offering to replace the burnt carpet! But is there even any point in that?

I don't have any solutions, but a similar problem. My sister, 63, lives in appalling conditions due to hoarding and other rituals preventing her from throwing rubbish out. This time last year she set fire to herself accidentally, due to all the rubbish surrounding the gas cooker, and was severely burnt. She allowed me into her flat for the first time in 30 years, as she couldn't manage anything. I live in Italy, she is in south London, so all very difficult. I cleared a lot, and arranged for a deep clean, and a cleaner, but it all returns to how it was. This week, she set fire to her flat, as she cannot throw cigarette butts out, and put a smoldering cigarette into the bin liner full of butts, then went to sleep. Luckily, she woke up and called the fire brigade before the flat (and those below) caught fire properly. She is still smoking, lighting up when I talk to her, won't throw butts out etc. She had an assessment, but has been told there is a 50 week waiting list. She seems very unwilling to engage with change, will not use the self help books I have sent, refuses to go out for a walk (unless to buy fags or beer). She has no friends, refuses to see my adult children, who would try to help. I am very worried about hger, but also very angry with her, and cannot stop thinking about the families in the flat below her. I called a 24 hour helpline and explained my concerns, but they just advised her to teke the drug she is already (sometimes) taking.