Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook Toll Free 855.892.9007 HFsenior.org
SENIOR BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS Intensive Outpatient Program Welcome We welcome you to Senior Behavioral Wellness. You have made a courageous decision to seek treatment; we will make every attempt to provide you with the support and guidance you need as you learn to deal with the problems, stresses and concerns that brought you to seek treatment. We hope your therapy here will be beneficial and effective for you. INTRODUCTION Senior Behavioral Wellness outpatient program is designed to provide intensive therapy to older adults experiencing emotional or mental distress. Being in a psychiatric outpatient hospital program means you will attend therapy on weekdays, but return home evenings and weekends. We provide an intensive therapeutic experience while you are able to stay involved in your home and community environments. Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook 1
Treatment Team The staff of Senior Behavioral Wellness consists of a multidisciplinary treatment team including a physician (psychiatrist), licensed therapists, nursing staff and others as appropriate. The treatment team will develop a treatment plan that identifies the problems, goals and approaches of therapy during your first few days of treatment. You will be asked to participate in your treatment and take responsibility in helping design your treatment plan and goals. Admission Assessment A thorough assessment by a physician will be performed to make sure that you need and can benefit from the services and participate in the treatment program. Additionally, you will undergo a thorough evaluation by members of the treatment team which will provide vital information about you and your life and how we can best help you. The Program We emphasize treating the whole person. Therefore, we offer a range of services to meet your physical, emotional, mental and interpersonal needs. These services may include the following: INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: The primary focus is on interpersonal problems and how to achieve personal, positive goals. Although the sessions are private, with your consent your therapist may share some information with the treatment team to ensure your safety and continued progress. 2 Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook
GROUP THERAPY: In group therapy, you will actively participate with a group of other patients, under the leadership of a therapist, discussing problems and developing new coping strategies. therapy offers numerous benefits such as shared knowledge of your peers to work through issues and to provide and receive peer support. The therapist will use a wide variety of therapy approaches to provide guidance and psychoeducational information specific to coping skills, management of psychiatric symptoms and ways to improve the quality of your life. FAMILY THERAPY: These sessions are used, where appropriate, to provide useful information to your family and friends and to help you communicate problems and concerns. Family members and patients are educated on the treatment plan and given strategies for helping the patient. MEDICAL EVALUATION: An evaluation by a physician who specializes in psychiatry will begin your treatment in this program and you will be followed in regular appointments to evaluate your psychiatric and medical progress. The physician will work closely with the rest of the treatment team in coordinating your care and will correspond with your other health professionals to keep them apprised of your treatment. Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook 3
Facilities and Services SMOKING: Smoking is not allowed. PERSONAL ITEMS: Snacks (coffee, tea, juice, crackers) are available for you. Lunch will be provided each day. Special diets may be available for patients who need them. TELEPHONE: In order for yourself and the rest of the patients to receive maximum therapeutic benefit, we ask that you turn off all cellular devices during treatment hours. The program does have a telephone that is available for patient use as well. Those who must reach you during program hours may call and leave a message. Daily Schedule The program is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however the specific times of treatment will be determined by the treatment team and the patient. A sample schedule of the types of groups will give you an idea of the times and what you can expect on your treatment days. 4 Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook
Each patient is expected to attend all prescribed therapy sessions as agreed upon by you, your physician and the staff in your Individualized Treatment Plan. If you miss three or more consecutive days of treatment, you will be discharged from the program and will require a re-screening and a re-admission evaluation to be considered for re-entry back into the program. SAMPLE SCHEDULE TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 10 to 10:45 Process 11 to 11:45 Cognitive 11:45 to 12:20 12:20 to 1 Behavioral Process Cognitive Process Cognitive Process Cognitive Process Cognitive LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH Behavioral Behavioral Behavioral Behavioral In Case of Emergency or After Hours Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In case of emergency, patients are requested to call 911 for assistance. Dress You will be involved in active treatment, and we suggest you wear casual, comfortable clothing appropriate for the season. Shoes and shirts are required. Financial Concerns You will be advised of the charges for services, insurance coverage and your financial liability as part of the admission procedure. Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook 5
Admission Criteria for Outpatient Patients The program accepts for admission older adults who will benefit from and are able to participate in intensive outpatient psychiatric treatment and are able to remain stable at home or current residence. Discharge Procedure Discharge planning begins at the time of admission. Expected treatment goals will be established during the first week of treatment, including goals for determining successful completion of the treatment program. Prior to discharge, the treatment team will work closely with you to arrange follow up care upon completion of the program. This may include follow up with mental health professionals, healthcare providers and other community programs and resources. The patient will be provided with an extensive written discharge plan. When appropriate, and with written consent of the patient, follow up care will also be coordinated with staff at care facilities or family members. 6 Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook
Patient s Rights As a patient of the Senior Behavioral Wellness Intensive Outpatient program you are entitled to be informed of certain rights that are extended to you under the law. 1. You have the right to exercise all civil rights, including disposing of property, executing instruments (making a will, etc.), making purchases, entering contracts and voting unless you have been declared incompetent by a court proceeding. 2. You have the right to be informed of your treatment plan and your response to this information is documented in your record. 3. You have the right to assist in the planning of your treatment plan. 4. You or your authorized representative may have access to a written copy of your treatment plan. 5. You or your authorized representative may have access to your medical record upon written request, or if refused, a written notification as to reason. 6. You may have a summary of your treatment plan as explained to your family members as long as you have signed a completed Release of Information Authorization allowing the program to release clinical information. 7. You may, at reasonable times, have access to and use your personal telephone or program phone with permission. 8. You have the right to refuse all or a portion of your treatment. If you refuse treatment it could result in discharge. Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook 7
Patient Responsibilities The goal of the program is to offer comprehensive therapy that meets individual patient needs while helping the patient to gain or maintain independence. To promote a beneficial group treatment environment, the following are the patients responsibility: 1. Patients will arrive on time for their scheduled treatment. If the patient will be absent or late, the patient is requested to communicate the absence via phone at toll free 855.892.9007 by 7:30 a.m. 2. Abusive language, physical violence and destruction of property are not accepted. Anger may be expressed verbally, but threats of physical violence will not be allowed. 3. Patients may not bring or use alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs at the facility, nor may any patient share medications with any other patient. 4. Patients are not allowed to bring firearms, explosives or any weapons to the facility. 5. Patients should not bring valuable articles or large sums of money to the program. Senior Behavioral Wellness and the hospital are not responsible for these items. 6. Patients are responsible for taking prescribed medications independently. 7. Patients are expected to participate actively in treatment and attend all assigned therapies. 8. Patients are expected to keep the names and information of other patients confidential. 9. Patients will actively participate in treatment planning and goal setting. 10. Patients who do not observe these rules may be subject to discharge from the program. 8 Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook
Patient Grievances A grievance is a formal or informal written or verbal complaint that is made to the hospital by a patient or the patient s representative regarding the patient s care, abuse or neglect; issues related to the hospital s compliance with CMS Hospital Conditions of Participation; or a Medicare Beneficiary billing complaint related to their rights and limitations. This does not include billing disputes. Any patient can make a verbal or written grievance to the staff and it will be handled as per hospital policy through the Grievance Committee and will be responded to in writing. The written response shall include the name of the hospital contact, steps taken to investigate the complaint, results of the process and date of completion of the process. STAFF MEMBER SIGNATURE AND TITLE DATE/TIME Intensive Outpatient Program Patient Handbook 9
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