A Family Guide to Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Services: Englewood Hospital

What Happens in Treatment?

Patients will be assessed by a team that includes nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, creative arts therapists, recreational therapists and physical therapists, under the direction and supervision of a psychiatry. The team will typically involve the patient and his or her loved ones in this comprehensive assessment to make sure everyone’s concerns and questions are addressed.

Treatment Plan:

Within 24 hours of being admitted, the team will develop a treatment plan and ensure agreement from the patient. The plan will involve individualized nursing care, individual and group therapy, medication management and education and consultation with other disciplines as needed. The focus is restoring quality of life and improving day to day management of symptoms. The average length of stay is 5 to 7 days but every patient is different.

Treatment Schedule:

Daily Treatment related activities provides each patient with opportunities to focus on a positive recovery. The following are examples of typical treatment activities:

*Goal Meetings or Goal Groups assist the patient and staff in developing a focus for the day regarding how the patient and program staff will collaborate to achieve the overall goals of the treatment plan. The purpose of these types of interventions is to model the behaviors of goal setting, goal achievement and goal modification.

*Individual Therapy is a powerful intervention with the goal of enhancing the patient’s ability to manage feelings and behaviors, make appropriate decisions, achieve personal goals, realize potential and fell more in charge of his or her life while working through concerns in a supportive environment.

*Group Therapy and Therapeutic Activities offer the support and companionship of other people experiencing the same or similar problems and issues. There are many different kinds of group therapies for varying purposes but all therapy groups exist to help individuals grow emotionally and solve personal problems through the power of group process.

Medication Management and Education:

Medications play a significant role in psychiatric stabilization and treatment. As with any medication, there are benefits and risks. Our team will provide education about the medications prescribed. Patients and families should always ask questions if the medication does not seem to be working or if they want to discontinue a medication for any reason.

Discharge Planning:

Discharge planning begins at the time of admission to the program. The goal of a successful discharge is to provide a seamless transition to the best environment for the patient’s continued success. Social workers will work with patients and families (with permission) to achieve a safe discharge plan with existing resources. The focus will be to develop a supportive environment outside the hospital which will allow the patient to continue the therapeutic goals established in the inpatient setting.

What to Expect after Discharge?

We will provide the patient with discharge instructions and refer the patient to appropriate services outside the hospital. the process of recovery that started in the hospital will often continue addressing the needs of the patient. The patient will be re-evaluated from time to time to ensure that adequate progress is being made.

How can the family be involved?

Communicate with the Staff:

Let staff know your concerns to help us better understand the issues your loved one is facing. You can provide us with history and experiences that give us insight into the difficulties the patient has faced and how long how they have struggled. You or your loved one will be asked to complete a sanctification survey to assist us in ensuring that we provide excellent care and service to everyone we have contact with. Let us know what we’ve done well and where we can improve.

Communicate with the Patient:

Phone calls and visitation are important for the patient to feel connected and supported by the family during their treatment. The family will also gain reassure that your loved one is in good hands and being well cared for. Often the patient will talk about how they are doing or things they have discovered during the treatment process. It is important that you encourage your loved one to keep their aftercare appointments and to take their medications as prescribed. Lastly, keep an eye on how things are going after discharge and talk to the physician if things do not seem right.

Support our outcome Measurement Efforts

Our outcomes measurement team may contact you or your loved one after discharge to see how the patient is doing and assess the impact of the treatment provided.

About the Program:

Our Behavioral Health/Psychiatry Department offers two voluntary programs for patients experiencing symptoms requiring 24 hour acute inpatient treatment. The Adult Behavioral Health Services program is for adults ages 18 and over and our Geriatric Behavioral Health Services program is specifically designated for those 60 and over. We offer a stigma-free, secure environment where patients are monitored and treated daily by the treatment team.

Our Patient Satisfaction Ratings:

The patient satisfaction ratings for both our Adult and Geriatric Behavioral Health Services are above the national average.

A note about Confidentiality:

Our program fully complies with all state and federal confidentiality rules. This often means that we do not have permission to speak with family members until lawfully authorized. We understand your interest and concern and our team will work with family or other loved ones whenever possible.

More information:

For additional information about treatment and services, please call (201) 894-3142. If you or your loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911.

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center: Your hospital for life

350 Engle Street

Englewood, NJ  07631

http://www.englewoodhealth.org

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center complies with applicable federal civil right laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Disclaimer: this information was taken directly from the Englewood Hospital pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above number or email them for more information.