Is it safe to send my loved one to treatment?
Yes, but it depends where. There are some quality facilities that have been maintaining infection control standards year-round with or without the Coronavirus threat. Being accredited by Joint Commission, Family Center for Recovery has the highest standards to adhere to and we do not take it lightly.
We are following all CDC guidance and adjust our policies daily to reflect the professional opinions of the world’s best Doctors.
Should I wait to send my loved one to treatment during this Coronavirus pandemic?
No. Please do not wait to get your loved one the help they need due to Coronavirus concerns. Mental health and substance use disorders cause more deaths than the Coronavirus, and this pandemic can actually cause these psychiatric disorders to worsen.
How do I know if a mental health facility is safe during this time?
Look at their licenses and call them to ask the tough questions. If they cannot give you reliable answers, don’t go there. If they can give you information, especially in writing, then you should feel more comfortable and make a decision based on the information they’ve given you. Make sure they have Joint Commission Accreditation and the Agency for Healthcare Administration license, at the very least. This requires even more stringent infection control standards.
How does a patient participate in group and individual therapy with everything going on?
Telehealth has been implemented for outpatients living at home for individual therapy sessions. All therapeutic groups have been dropped to less than ten patients/staff and are being held outside with social distancing protocols. If weather doesn’t permit, even smaller groups occur with social distancing inside.
Do mental health facilities provide patients personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Yes. FCFR is providing patients masks, gloves, sanitizers and other cleaning supplies. For patients living independently at transitional living we are providing the same opportunities. These items have been difficult to come by so we have helped our patients make homemade masks as well.
How do I deal with my child’s mental health issues at home?
You should reach out to the experts and get their advice such as seeking Residential care for serious behavioral challenges. If things haven’t gotten out of control and you’re more comfortable waiting, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day.
- Follow your morning routine; wake up, brush your teeth, get dressed and eat breakfast
- Exercise and physical activity
- Intellectual engagement like reading books and doing puzzles
- Bathe, shower and groom yourself daily
- Family time; board games and family meals
- Just because we need to socially distance ourselves doesn’t mean we have to emotionally distance ourselves. Use technology safely by connected to friends and family.
- Only watch TV for short periods, don’t sit or be immobile for long periods of time
What if a patient refuses to follow COVID-19 protocols?
Our facility has strict enforcement of these protocols and patients who put others at risk will be isolated. Due to the structure of our facility it is not a common theme to have this resistance but we are certainly prepared to handle it. Patient safety is our number one priority.