Readiness for Change

Having recently completed  training in OCAIRS, I was inspired to think more  about Readiness for Change which is embedded in the OCAIRS assessment. Obviously this is a crucial factor when considering working with someone  with a history of hoarding , particularly in the current economic climate. Below I've highlighted a few points  related to readiness to change which can be considered as part of the assessment process (they are also included in the case formulation/assessment prompts on another posting). It does not mean that someone has to "tick all boxes" in order to be  ready for  change, but it may highlight useful starting points or potential barriers.  This also may assist in articulating to your  team or your manager  reasons why  or why not you  feel the client may be ready to engage with interventions   to tackle hoarding.

READINESS FOR CHANGE

	COMMENTS
·         Appraisal of hoarding situation and associated behaviours and  extent to which this is perceived as a problem
·         Perception of risk associated with hoarding  in relation to skills (motor /process) and environment (social and physical)
·         Goals regarding  hoarding behaviours and environment. Priority these goals  in relation to other goals or plans
·         Emotional  and behavioural responses to potential or actual changes in hoarding routine/activities or environment  (e.g accepting/fearful/ resistant/ avoidant)
·         Capacity to modify routine or performance in activity  related to acquiring, discarding or organising items
·         Approach and attitudes  by others in social  environment (i.e /rejecting/directive/empathic) and capacity  of others to adapt approach to support change
·         History of coping with changes related to hoarding behaviours (e.g enforced clearances/therapy) and emotional and behavioural responses to these
·         History of coping with other major changes /difficult situations
·         Access to  support  to tackle hoarding (e.g neighbours, family , voluntary and statutory sector, finances)
·         Engagement in current assessment process
·         Other factors influencing readiness to change