Considering Hospital Care?

Most people with mental illnesses receive mental healthcare, at a doctor’s office, community mental health center, support group or other setting. Receiving care near where you work or live enables you to pursue a full productive life. There are times, however, when hospital care may be necessary for people in crisis. Of the 52 million people in the USA in 1994 who had a mental health disorder, only 0.5 percent of them were hospitalized in a 24hour or residential care setting (CMHS, 2000) Deciding whether hospitalization or in-patient care is appropriate can be difficult and should be considered with the consultation of a mental health professional. If in-patient care becomes necessary, this pamphlet will help you ensure the best care possible. Questions to ask:

Consider before admission:

Have you or your loved one in need been professionally evaluated? By whom? Do you understand the diagnosis?
If you or your family member have not been evaluated, why are you seeking admission?

a) The person’s safety, or the safety of others?
b) A doctor’s recommendation?
c) Which of the symptoms your family member is exhibiting are causing concern?

Do you or your family member have an advance directive in place? What does it say about in-patient care?

Ask the hospital/treatment center at check-in

Does your facility treat patients for this specific diagnosis only?

If the patient has other health or emotional problems will he/she receive treatment for these problems also?

Does your facility require tests when admitted? If so, what are they?

Who will perform these tests?

Who will evaluate the patient when he/she is admitted?

What are the person’s qualifications/title?

Will the individual be seen by this professional on a regular basis?

When will the initial evaluation take place?

Is there a consumer advocate we can contact in case of complaints or grievances?

Financial and Insurance Issues:

Does the hospital accept our insurance?
If not, what are the alternatives?
If it does, what is covered?
Can coverage be reviewed with a member of the staff?
Are there separate charges for physicians, therapists or caretakers? What are these charges?
How are fees assessed?
When will billing occur?
If insurance covers only part of the cost, what other arrangements can be made for payments?
Is other assistance available?
Will the facility accept partial payments of payments on a schedule?

During the patient’s stay:

When can I (or another family member) talk to the therapist or doctor?
Will we be able to discuss treatment with the doctor or therapist? When? How often?
When can family members visit? How long?
Will the patient have a daily schedule of activities or treatments? If so, what activities will the patient be involved in?
Is therapy (group or individual) available and is it part of the treatment plan?
What clothes should the patient bring?
How long will the patient be at the facility?
Who makes this decision?
Will the family be advised of changes in treatment?
Who will make the evaluation for discharging the patient?
When will this happen?

Ask the therapist:

What can the individual and family expect during the treatment process?
What reactions/behaviors of the patient are possible?
How should the family respond?
How can the individual and family prepare for unexpected behavior and possible setbacks?

Leaving the hospital:

Will someone advise our loved one and family about adjustment concerns such as the need for further counseling or a medication schedule?
What can we expect when our family member is discharged?
Will he/she be on medications? Which ones?
How will these medications help?
Are they habit-forming?
What are the side effects?
What is the dosage?
Will he/she have to be on these medications forever or is there a time or point when they can be discontinued?
What alternatives are there?
What community supports are there?
What resources are available for reintegration into their lives and the community?

From NAMI PA – Butler County