Death, Crime Scene, Biohazard & Hoarding Clean Up Services for San Diego

Overview

When the San Diego Fire Department rescued an elderly woman trapped in her own kitchen, her neighbors were relieved—but what they saw inside was heartbreaking. The woman, a longtime resident of a local condo complex, had fallen and become trapped by the clutter surrounding her.

When Bio-One of Chula Vista arrived, they discovered a Level 3–4 hoarding situation—but not the kind most people imagine. The home wasn’t filled with trash or refuse. Instead, every surface was packed with pristine board games, puzzles, and playing cards. Each item was part of her cherished collection, carefully preserved but now blocking safe access through the home.

This wasn’t a simple cleanup—it was an act of compassion and precision, balancing preservation with safety.

The Situation

Inside the home, stacks of collectibles reached floor to ceiling. The woman’s passion for games had quietly turned her home into a maze, cutting off key areas like the kitchen, hallway, and bathroom. Hidden among her prized possessions were unseen dangers—cat waste, damaged flooring, and even the remains of a pet long lost in the clutter.

This was a delicate situation that required far more than physical cleanup. It called for empathy, patience, and a plan to respect the client’s emotional attachment to her belongings.

The Response

Owner Jason Madsen and the Bio-One of Chula Vista team began by building trust—something that can’t be rushed. “Before we move a single item, we take time to listen,” Jason explained. “We want clients to know we understand what matters most to them.”

Established Trust

Jason spent several hours with the client, discussing what could be saved, stored, or carefully relocated. He reassured her that their goal was not to take away her treasures but to make her home safe and livable again.

Creative Organization

The Bio-One team proposed a plan to convert her garage into a clean, functional storage area for her extensive collection. They sorted and labeled thousands of games and puzzles into clearly organized rows—preserving her lifelong hobby while restoring order.

Restored Livability

They cleared the main living areas, including the kitchen, hall, and bathroom, removing hazards and creating safe pathways so she could once again cook, walk, and move freely throughout her home.

Addressing Hidden Hazards

Amid the carefully curated collection, the team discovered biohazards from her two cats and other contamination risks. Using proper PPE and disinfection procedures, Bio-One removed affected materials, sanitized the area, and ensured the home was once again safe to inhabit.

The Return Call: A Test of Trust

Nearly three years later, the woman reached out again. Despite her best efforts, her collecting habits had resurfaced, and the home had once again become overwhelming. But this time, she didn’t hesitate—she knew exactly who to call.

“When someone calls us back years later, it means they remember how we made them feel,” Jason said. “That trust is everything.”

The team returned to reorganize the garage and restore safe access to her living areas—ensuring she could once again cook, use her computer, and rest comfortably in her bed.

This repeat service also involved coordination with local organizations like the San Diego Fire Department, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), and CAST (Community Assistance, Support, and Training). These agencies often depend on Bio-One to bring homes to a safe standard before they can send in care workers or support staff.

The Outcome

This case underscored a vital truth: hoarding is rarely a one-time fix. It’s a chronic condition that often requires ongoing compassion, patience, and community support.

The woman regained safety and mobility within her home—and, most importantly, peace of mind. For Jason and his team, the most meaningful part was knowing she felt safe enough to ask for help again.

Her trust in Bio-One of Chula Vista was proof that kindness leaves a lasting impression. “We don’t judge. We help people get their lives back, one step at a time,” Jason said.

Local Partnerships and Community Impact

Bio-One of Chula Vista continues to collaborate with organizations like the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD), CAST (Crime and Trauma Support), TIPS (Trauma Intervention Program of Southern California), and PACE to ensure that individuals in crisis have access to safe, clean, and supportive living conditions.

Their ongoing relationships with these agencies reflect a shared mission: restoring safety, dignity, and hope for vulnerable members of the community.