Diogenes syndrome — extreme accumulation, home neglect, social isolation — affects 1 to 2 % of seniors. In Brussels, we intervene several times a month, often at the request of a CPAS, an administrator, or a stretched family.

A different kind of clearance

The priority is not hourly throughput: it is respect for people and sanitary safety.

⚠️ Never act without a mandate

Entering an occupied home without authorisation can constitute trespass. Every intervention must be preceded by a written agreement with the family, an administrator, or the CPAS.

Our 5-phase protocol

  1. Confidential assessment — two-person visit, no obvious uniform, conversation with the occupant if present.
  2. Written agreement with the principal — specifying items to preserve despite appearances (mementos, papers, photos).
  3. Preparation — full PPE (suits, FFP3 masks, nitrile gloves), dehumidification if necessary.
  4. Progressive room-by-room clearance — pre-sorting papers, jewellery, cash, photos. List handed to family.
  5. Disinfection, pest control and home reset (sweep, washing, sometimes floor removal).
Clean and tidy interior after a full house clearance
Every intervention ends with a photographic report handed to the family or mandating party.

Timeline and cost

2–7 days intervention duration
40–80 m³ typical 3-bed volume
€3,500–9,000 indicative flat cost

ℹ️ Collaboration with Brussels social services

We work regularly with CPAS offices in all 19 municipalities. If a social worker is coordinating the situation, they can attend the assessment visit at no extra cost.

💡 For families

The first visit is always free. If you are in this situation with a loved one, call us before taking any decision — we will help frame the process with the right parties.

🤝 Free first visit — Confidential assessment

For families, CPAS offices and social workers. Dispatch within 48 h across Brussels.