Senior in His Golden Years Needs Professional Assistance to Clean Trailer: Garbage, Biohazards, and Salvageable Personal Property Create Challenging Cleanup Project

William resides in a single-wide trailer in Lake Elsinore, California. Recently, he has exhibited what some people have described as hoarding behavior. Hoarding behavior involves the excessive acquisition of and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment. Hoarding disorder is recognized as a mental health condition, and those who struggle with hoarding behavior often require professional help to overcome the condition.

Whether or not William is engaged in hoarding behavior or appropriately could be diagnosed with full-blown hoarding disorder, several facts are apparent about the state of the trailer this man calls home:

• Dried vomit and saliva can be found throughout the trailer
• When William’s caseworker from California Adult Services, fresh vomit and spit was observed
• Garbage is strewn throughout the residence
• Garbage includes remnants of food and other trash
• Human feces were found in the bedroom
• Mixed in with garbage and biohazards are items of personal property that William and his Adult Services caseworker desire to maintain
• A foul stench permeates the premises

The types of problems contained on this list have spread into the yard surrounding the trailer as well. Adult Services reached out to Eco Bear to provide deep cleaning and biohazard remediation assistance as needed.

Addressing the Needs of a Client Who Will Be on the Scene at the Time of a Deep Cleaning

In this case, Kevin insists that he be present during the deep cleaning and biohazard remediation. While not ideal, there are situations in which a homeowner or tenant desires to be present when a deep cleaning or biohazard remediation is going to occur. Kevin’s caseworker is committed to being present during the deep cleaning to ensure that Kevin’s personal needs are addressed during the process.

There is several important points that a deep cleaning professional and biohazard remediation professional need to bear in mind if a client will be present during the cleanup process:

• Communicate clearly: One of the most important things you can do is to communicate clearly with the homeowner. Explain the process and answer any questions they may have. Ensure they understand what to expect during the remediation process, and let them know what they can expect from you and your team. Be sure to explain the safety measures that will be put in place to ensure everyone’s health and well-being.
• Be respectful: It is essential to show the homeowner that you understand that this is a difficult and stressful situation for them. Be empathetic and understanding of their concerns. Be respectful of their home and their privacy, and try to make the process as comfortable as possible for them.
• Set clear boundaries: Make sure the homeowner understands the boundaries of the work area. This will help to ensure their safety and the safety of the remediation team. Clearly mark off the areas that are off-limits to the homeowner, and make sure that they understand why these areas are restricted.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment: Wear the proper protective gear to protect yourself and others from biohazard exposure. Ensure that the homeowner understands why this gear is necessary and that you take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Minimize disruption: Try to minimize disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine as much as possible. This will help to reduce their stress and anxiety. Be mindful of noise levels and try to work around their schedule as much as possible.
• Work efficiently: Work as efficiently as possible to ensure that the remediation is completed quickly and effectively. This will help minimize the disruption to the homeowner’s life and ensure they can return home as soon as possible.
• Keep the area clean: Keep the work area clean and organized. This will help to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and ensure that the homeowner is comfortable. Use appropriate cleaning agents to disinfect the area and dispose of any contaminated materials safely and properly.
• Monitor air quality: Use air monitoring equipment to ensure that the air quality in the home is safe during and after the remediation process. This will help to ensure that the homeowner and the remediation team are not exposed to any harmful substances.

Safeguarding Personal Property During a Deep Clean and Remediation

As mentioned, when the deep cleaning occurred, William’s personal property was mixed with garbage and waste at the premises. He understandably wanted his personal property protected and (if needed) cleaned. 

A prime example is a rather significant collection of DVDs. While many consider DVDs outdated, William enjoyed them to this time. Unfortunately, some of the boxes were filthy and may even have been contaminated with feces. 

There are seven primary steps to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting personal property like DVDs that have been contaminated by feces. In this case, the process was undertaken by a professional. Nevertheless, this is the general course of action followed:

• Put on gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection, to protect yourself from coming into contact with the feces and any harmful pathogens it may contain.
• Use paper towels or a plastic scraper to remove as much of the feces as possible. Be careful not to spread the feces to other areas of the property.
• Spray the affected area with a disinfectant solution, such as a mixture of bleach and water or a commercial disinfectant spray. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dilution and contact time.
• Let the disinfectant sit on the surface for at least 10 minutes to ensure that it kills any remaining bacteria or viruses.
• Wipe the area clean with paper towels or a clean cloth. Be sure to dispose of any used cleaning materials in a plastic bag and tie it securely.
• Suppose the feces has contaminated a soft surface, such as carpet or upholstery. In that case, using a wet vacuum or professional cleaning service may be necessary to remove the feces and disinfect the area thoroughly.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after cleaning the affected area. This will help to reduce the risk of infection further.

In conclusion, Eco Bear assigned three experienced professionals to undertake the cleanup and remediation job. The total cost of the cleanup was $4800 for labor plus $500 for off-site trash disposal.