What To Expect
Patients and their families can expect:
- To be in the care of a physician and treatment team for approximately 7-10 days
- To bring 3 days worth of clothing items, with laundry and catering provided on site
- To schedule family visitation with at least 4 hours notice (see visitation schedule for more details)
- To be assessed by all disciplines within the first 24-48 hours of care
- To see their physician daily
- To see their social service provider every two days, and have a plan for discharge/safety plan prior to departing Haven
- To be actively engaged in treatment, including group and community activities (groups will run 5-7 times a day)
- To be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion while receiving best practice, high-quality, evidence-based treatment
- To have their privacy protected unless clear permission is given from the patient/guardian written
The First 24-48 Hours
Upon arrival and within the next 24 to 48 hours our admissions team works with you to complete your first of many assessments. Assessments are completed by each discipline including: admissions, nursing, social services, medical specialist, and psychiatry, all of whom determine your individual care needs. Although there are many questions which may seem overwhelming, these assessments help set the foundation for your therapeutic care at Haven at West Chester.
Some of the major considerations we’ll assess include psychological conditions, behavioral issues, medical conditions, family dynamics, and vocational or supportive needs. You’ll be involved in decision Assessments gather information regarding psychological conditions, behavioral issues, medical conditions, family dynamics, and vocational or supportive needs. You have a voice and a choice in your treatment planning from the first day of treatment to your aftercare planning. You are included in your treatment and decisions concerning your treatment. Our doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other professionals work together to customize a treatment plan with you that pays attention to what we all hope to accomplish while you are in our care. Haven also values your needs and desires to involve your family and/or important people in your life when possible.
The Next Three-Six Days
Once your treatment plan is in place, our team offers the support you need to work toward achieving your goals. A schedule is posted and shows each day’s activities including community meetings, group therapy sessions, meal times, and recreational activities.
The hospital has a full-service cafeteria serving well-balanced meals. A registered dietitian provides meal planning and consultations for special diets when necessary. Snacks and drinks are available on the unit.
Activities and groups may include outdoor/indoor exercise, art, music, yoga, aromatherapy, guided and sound meditation/reiki, and pet therapy. Group therapy, led by therapists/social workers/nurses/providers will focus on recovery skills, coping strategies, psychoeducation, nursing education, relapse prevention skills, and planning.
Your attending psychiatrist will meet with you on a daily basis to help in managing your medication and modify as needed. Your nursing staff are available 24/7 and assist with any questions or concerns you have as well as care for you nursing needs. Your assigned social service staff meet with you individually at least 2-3 times a week to address your treatment goals and work with you in developing your aftercare and safety plans. You have the right to ask questions about your treatment, express what you need, share a concern, or request more information related to your care. We are all here to answer questions and understand that this is a transition.
During your treatment, we work to establish family meetings and visitation. We believe your family and/or loved ones are an integral part of your present treatment and aftercare plan. If appropriate, possible, and desired we work with you to include them in your care.
The Last 24-48 Hours
Your social service staff reviews your established aftercare plan. This plan provides information connecting you to your step down outpatient services upon discharge. This includes follow up appointments that are coordinated by your social services staff, updates to your safety plan if made, and any other paperwork updates completed.
You receive your discharge paperwork which is a copy of your aftercare plan including instructions on medication refills and your follow up appointment information with your outpatient provider.