6 Things to Look for When Choosing a Psychiatric Care Unit
Most people suffer from some psychological challenges at some point in their lives, but when it comes to severe psychological challenges or serious mental disorders, more serious intervention is required. Often, a psychiatric care unit will be able to provide the patient with what they need. Sometimes, this care can be provided on an outpatient basis, but with more serious cases, a residential psychiatric care unit may provide better results.
Removing a patient from their normal environment can be stressful, but often they are able to cope better when away from the things that stress them in this environment ??? things such as responsibilities, partners, work, children, and other factors that stand in the way of recovery. Providing the patient with an environment where all they have to focus on is their recovery is the best way forward, and giving them an opportunity to rest and heal away from everyday life can be highly beneficial.
Choosing a psychiatric care unit can be tricky ??? there are a lot of these units and recovery centres in South Africa, and it is vital to choose a care unit where the patient can feel safe enough to recover. A good psychiatric care unit should be able to provide the patient with the tools, therapy, treatment and medication required, so there are a few things you should look out for when choosing a psychiatric care unit for yourself or your loved one.
- Extensive psychiatric programme and treatment: A detailed recovery programme should be provided, and daily contact with psychiatrists and psychologists is needed. There should be individual and group therapy available, and weekly medical lectures on disorders should be provided by a qualified psychiatrist. Psycho-social guidance should be included in the programme and should contain information on change management, self-worth and identity, emotional awareness, skills building, communication, conflict management, and many other topics that will provide the patient with the tools they need for recovery, or the management of their disorder. Medical evaluation and relevant medication should also be prescribed where needed, and the dispensing and consumption of these medications should be monitored and supervised.
- Modern facilities and living environment: It is very unsettling to be away from the normal environment, and moving into a cramped, badly maintained and unattractive environment can be very unpleasant, especially if the stay is a long one. It is vital that the environment is as comfortable and pleasant as possible, and that the property and facilities are well maintained, clean and relaxing. Bedrooms should be furnished with all the necessary items, high-quality, clean linen should be provided, and the overall atmosphere must be inviting and relaxing. Sporting facilities should be available and well maintained, and sanitary facilities should be spotless.
- Resources and staff: The psychiatric care unit you choose has to have adequate staff. In order to qualify as a psychiatric care unit, the facility has to have access to a full-time psychiatrist, and a staff of treatment consultants, counsellors, qualified medical assistants and a medical practitioner (GP) to oversee the health, treatment and recovery of the patient. The facility has to be staffed around the clock, in order to deal with any situations during any time of day, and have to be adequately trained to deal with a wide variety of disorders and behaviours. They also have to have access to adequate medical supplies and medication.
- Catering: Because diet is seen to play a great role in the recovery from addiction, psychiatric disorders and mental problems, it is important that the facility is able to provide the patient with the nutrition and balanced meals that they need. Often, the best facilities will work out a particular menu or diet plan for specific patients, and provide them with the best foods to aid recovery and progress. Produce should be fresh, food should be tasty, and enough food should be provided to all patients. Those with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, should be monitored by staff during and after meals, to ensure that the food is consumed and not expelled.
- Security: The facility should be monitored around the clock, and be access controlled to prevent any unauthorised access, and also to prevent patients from leaving the facility without permission. The security team has to be highly trained, in order to keep the facility safe and secure.
- Medical aid: The psychiatric care unit should be able to provide care with the help of a variety of medical aid schemes in South Africa.
If you are looking for a psychiatric care unit that meets all of the above requirements, please give our team a call at Beethoven Recovery Centre as soon as possible, to find out more about our treatment programmes.