If your loved one has been or is thinking of being admitted to a psychiatric hospital it is normal to have many questions. All of us at West Springs Hospital are here to help you through the process, every step of the way. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions and their answers.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for below, you may find it on our admissions page, our page detailing what to expect at West Springs Hospital or the family and visitor page.
Each day’s activities follow a structured schedule that may include group and individual therapy, recreation activities, community meetings, treatment plan meetings, family sessions and private time for reflection and working on written assignments. Visiting Hours are available during scheduled time each evening.
Each patient is thoroughly evaluated upon admission and reassessed daily with his or her personalized treatment team to determine progress toward discharge goals. This includes evaluation of the situation directly related to the admission, gathering of history and diagnosis evaluation. Patients work on the development of life skills and coping strategies appropriate for their circumstances and illness. Patients need to continue working on these skills after discharge and into the future. The success of treatment is in large part related to the effort put forth by the patient to make changes. They are asked to accept personal responsibility as they work through their issues.
Our doors are locked to ensure a safe, secure environment for all of our patients and to protect their right to privacy. Many of our patients suffer from illnesses that make it difficult for them to maintain their own safety. We are also committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all of our patients and need to be able to identify all visitors before they enter the patient areas.
Yes. It is necessary to have family members participate in treatment. Family support assists in healing and family members are essential members of the treatment team. Treatment decisions are often based on information provided by family. Discharge and aftercare plans are clearly explained and reviewed with the patient and family prior to discharge. Once discharged, if you notice any changes in behavior or the safety level of your loved one, please call and bring your concerns to our attention immediately.
Medications are a powerful and effective tool in treating mental illnesses. Our providers will only prescribe medications after the benefits and any possible side effects of each medication have been thoroughly reviewed with the patient and family, and after consents have been granted. Medications are closely monitored and their effectiveness is frequently reviewed by the treatment team.
We provide toys and books for your child to play with during their stay. If you feel it would be important for your child to have a few favorite toys from home please discuss this with nursing or your child’s case manager. Please remember that we are not responsible for toys from home that are lost or broken.
Due to safety issues, all electronic devices need to be left at home. We are able to provide radios and music for patients on an individual basis, depending upon their treatment needs.
There is not a school on site; however, we are able to help children with their schoolwork if their assignments are provided to us. If at all possible, please bring schoolwork at the time of your child’s admission or shortly thereafter. Completed assignments will be given back to parents to return to their child’s school.
People respond to treatment differently. The length of treatment varies depending on age, commitment to treatment, willingness to confront problems, and the severity of symptoms. Hospitalized adults usually stay between 5 and 7 days. Children and adolescents may stay as long as 10 to 12 days. Discharge planning begins at the time of admission, and case managers will work to develop aftercare plans based on the individual needs of each patient.
And what circumstances might lead to a denial of rights? Our hospital supports and advocates patients be involved in the process of planning and all decisions about their care. If at some time doctors, other Treatment Team members and, if a minor–parents/guardian, determine that it would be in the best interest to restrict rights it is our obligation to communicate those restrictions and the reasons for them to the patient.
The case manager will coordinate a discharge session around the time of discharge at which time questions and concerns can be addressed. The case manager and physician are the primary contacts during hospitalization.
We offer a sliding fee scale dependent upon each patient’s financial situation. Payment is requested at time of discharge unless other arrangements have been made through the hospital business office. We accept most insurances and VISA and MasterCard. Business office personnel are available to answer questions about cost or coverage for hospitalization. Please have copies of the insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card available. You may also be asked to provide proof of income to determine whether a discount is appropriate.
For more information about payment please visit our Paying for Services page
