I can understand with all the things you have had going on, there is not much time left for keeping up with the house. Although I have not gone thru anything like this, I am pretty sure that you will be given time to unpack the boxes and do the things that need to be done. The county may even some resources to help you do this task. Maybe a boy scout is looking for a project and can do this for you? maybe look at this as a positive sign that you will get some help and finally empty the boxes and get things in order.

I am really hoping for this to turn out to be positive. We would love the help. We do sell stuff constantly, or donate if they don't sell. Our house on the front lawn and backyard is completely clear. It doesn't block anywhere you need to get out of inside. Our house doesn't smell, we vacuum. Thank you for the advice. I am talking to a Social Service person tomorrow and taking it from there. I just don't want anything bad to happen.

let us know please!! I'm so worried too that Social Services will become involved in our home. My husband honestly needs 24 hour care. I've hired someone to help during the day but worried that the state will make me put him nursing home. This is why I'm so interested in your situation. - hugs Arlene

Hi,
I just popped in to check out this group. I have spent most of my life as a Caregiver for various members of my family, now I need help.

I can not understand why anyone would cause you issues over boxes. Especially if they are inside. So sorry someone is trying to cause you more stress.

It might be considered a "fire hazard", so you may want to have one or two fire extinguishers next to the boxes. I have my garage filled with boxes from 2 estates, (My mother and step-fathers). I do have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Especially since my husband is on Oxygen now. I also have 2 rooms full of boxes from having to move our office home. I put up curtains so they are not seen, until we can get through them.

I know you are stressed, but I hope you and the social worker can come up with a plan to present to whoever is coming to inspect. A plan showing your safety precautions that you have in place, and options that you are looking at to help clear out boxes as you can.

In my state High School kids need community service hours, Scouts can get service hours for helping you, but can not use it as their Eagle project. (I have 2 Eagle Scouts). Youth Groups at church can also help sometimes.

I have had to go on disability for myself. Never expected to need help myself. Life can be very challenging. I have a girl from our church who now comes once a week to help me sort through the boxes. We set up 3 piles, one to donate, one to toss, and one to keep.

I am here looking for ideas that might help my husband cope better with having to help me. He has never had to be a caregiver and he does not want to be one.

Will keep you in prayer and sending positive energy your way. If have any questions that I may be able to help with feel free to send me a message.

Best wishes. -RJ

Melissa, if there are just a few boxes piled up, no one is going to make you move or move your parents out of the home. Apparently, whomever made this report feels that there are more than just a few moving boxes occupying the living spaces in the home. After 5 years, there should have been some progress of the unpacking even with the serious medical conditions.

I would wait for the home inspection. They'll probably forward you to Social Services, if they haven't already. Work with them, they're there to help. They're priority though is to ensure that whomever living in the home is living in a safe and healthy environment.

Another source for help is from Home-school students. Many of the older students have volunteer community service requirements.