SPACE (Safety Priority Assessment for Cluttered Environments)
APDO and Hoarding Disorders UK have teamed up to create a new and comprehensive risk assessment tool to use when working in full homes. This has been created by Marie Bateson of ‘Cut the Clutter’ and Jo Cooke.
SPACE Risk Assessment Tool (word version)
SPACE Risk Assessment Tool (interactive pdf version)
Guidance for using the form
This form has been created as an initial assessment tool and ongoing monitory tool for any individuals carrying out initial consultations. It can be used by all services who visit hoarded/full homes but is primarily aimed at professional organisers. This tool is for use when first visiting and assessing but subsequently to record change and actions when working with a client.
‘SPACE’ can be used in conjunction with the clutter image ratings. If you are not familiar with these please see here.
You will be unlikely to capture all areas of concern on the first visit and this is fine. It is common that there is a case of sensory overload and stimulus.
Assess the risks to you, the householder and other potential services. This form is aimed at supporting a sense of focus and gaining an initial snapshot to help you to prioritise and plan your next steps.
A visual scan is usual and if possible, some conversational questions with the person in the home. Later the risk to other services may become apparent, such as escape routes in the case of a fire.
It’s important to refer to your local council’s hoarding protocol/policies, to ensure that you are familiar with their recommendations. This includes where to refer for the fire service or safeguarding team.