Committing a loved one to a rehabilitation facility is a decision you may find challenging to make. However, a situation may arise that leaves you with no option.
For example, if your loved one is injured or has undergone surgery, it may be necessary to keep them in a rehabilitation centre for proper medical care. Another reason to keep someone in such a centre is when they struggle with alcohol or drug abuse.
Choosing the right facility will guarantee faster recovery. To help you make the right decision, consider these seven important factors.
Accreditation by CARF
Before picking a rehab centre, find out whether they are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Accreditation is the only way to be 100% sure the centre’s facilities and services meet industry standards.
This accreditation for a rehab centre shows that the centre strives for person-focused care and adheres to internationally-recognized values. This reduces the chance of rehab facility negligence that can put the life of your loved one in danger.
Apart from CARF, the Joint Commission also accredits healthcare facilities that adhere to professional standards.
Professionalism
Like other medical conditions, addiction is a disease that requires proper medical care by professionals. A good rehab centre should have:
- Physiatrists
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Speech-language
- Pathologists
- Physical therapists
- Neuropsychologists
- Certified nurses
Trained and certified professionals will also be able to design a customised treatment plan for all patients to address their unique needs.
Comprehensive treatment
According to experts from New Vista Health, addiction affects mental function, meaning it will affect an individual beyond the effects of the drugs themselves. For this reason, the treatment offered should be comprehensive. It should not concentrate only on treating the addiction symptoms but also on the mental and physical issues resulting from the addiction.
A holistic treatment programme considers all aspects of a patient’s life. So, before you commit your loved one to a facility, find out more about the treatment program’s goals.
24/7 Admissions
A drug or alcohol addict may need urgent medical attention. For example, if the patient has passed out or overdosed, the sooner they get admitted, the higher the chances of survival; any delay in admission can be fatal. That explains why you need to choose a hospital that admits patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ongoing treatment
Addiction treatment is not a one-off affair. It requires ongoing maintenance, treatment, and support to keep the patient healthy. It isn’t reasonable to treat an addiction patient and then leave them to survive on their own without any form of ongoing support.
A good alcohol and drug rehab facility understand that alumni programs and ongoing outpatient support are necessary even if a patient has seemingly recovered.
Visitation policy
Visits from family and friends can help someone in rehab stay motivated and optimistic about the experience. Because of this, some centres even allow family members to be part of the treatment plan of their loved ones. For example, a facility may allow a family member to participate in the patient/therapist meetings and even watch the therapy sessions.
Find out about the visitation policy of your centre of choice and whether they can allow you to be part of the treatment plan or comfortably visit regularly.
Amenities and activities
Make sure the centre is nurturing and engaging. There should be daily activities and amenities that can make your loved one feel involved, enriched, and loved. Additionally, the grounds and the facility itself should be well-maintained, welcoming, and clean.
Help your loved one find a place to recover
Choosing the right rehab centre will enhance the recovery process of your loved one. When you keep these factors in mind while searching, you can identify where your loved one has the greatest chance of success.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
