To think staff in acute Mental Health wards should take into account a persons age

[thedaywewillremeber]

Ds is 25 and since he was 19 has been admitted on and off to our local adult acute ward. He says they expect him to behave in the same as way as the patients who are twenty plus years older. Aibu to think they should take into account that a person in their 20’s will likely be at a different stage emotionally,socially and life experience wise.

These daily groups so everyday unfortunately.

When in, I have usually found that (some) service users help each other. More than the overstretched staff.
It sounds as if there is more proactive help than I have experienced. Maybe he'll gradually find peer support and coping strategies through these groups.
Is there a gym he can use? This might help if he is into it.

Please pass on my best wishes to him.

@TheSparklyPussycat - the remote can go walkabout - it's true. On my last acute we used to always watch the 9pm film on film 4. At my last hospital we had a cupboard of dvds so could always put a film on.

Normally on an acute there isn't really an expectation to socialise. Many are too unwell. Groups are there but are not compulsory. Can he find some things he can do in his room/dorm or in the quiet room? Crosswords, wordsearches, colouring, reading? Depends how unwell he is. Going to the gym is really helpful too.

I did watch some of a film in a previous admission. It was The Green Mile and I was traumatised by the electric chair scene. Not good for my recovery!

Another time one of the nurses on nights was watching The Full Monty. I'd seen it years before when it originally came out. I went into the room - it had got to the bit where they couldn't help dancing in the dole queue. I started to laugh, only to have the nurse round on me - "It's not a comedy!" Also not helpful to my recovery...

Apologies for going off on a bit of a tangent.

They tell him you’re the same as all the others. He feels uncomfortable being social with people so much older.

Do you think this is because of his illness? Otherwise, it is quite normal for 25yos to socialise with older people, in the workplace or elsewhere.

By this age it is also usual to enjoy activities and films according to individual interests rather than because you're a certain age group. So from that pov I don't think you can blame the hospital: must be impossible to find some kind of "average 25yo activity" or a "film that is liked by 25yos".

But of course if you're unwell any socialising or joining in with other people's activities can be really hard. Hope he gets better soon.

My sister had been mentally unwell and in and out of hospitals since being 18 years old. She’s now in her 30s and her emotional maturity hasn’t changed one bit. Additionally, I’m younger than your son but I still enjoy the company of people of various ages.

With all the problems faced by people using mental health services I think this is a non-issue and more to do with your son’s personal preference.

@TatianaTisling...So glad my mother ran away from the care homes to the States when she got pregnant with me

I suspect staff think he is using his age as an excuse not to go to groups. What does he want to do instead? If it's lie in bed then no that will not be encouraged. If he has some suggestions of what he would like I expect it would be welcomed.
On my ward the OT does an interests checklist with people and tries to draw up a timetable with them. No-one is expected to go to everything but some participation is expected.

Getting people to go to therapeutic groups and be with others is part of treatment. Getting on with a range of other people is a life skill. The groups are facilitated so that everyone will have a chance. It does not do anyone's mental illness any good to hide in bed all day, chain smoke or watch daytime TV. You can do that at home. If you are in hospital surely you would want to engage in the therapy program otherwise just take your meds at home.

AIUI since medication is the primary intervention, psychiatrists spend time finding the correct medication and the correct dose for their patients before discharge.

I do agree with @theld - if you want to get better you do need to engage. I suggest he speaks to OT about what he would like to do.

Don’t worry, the staff will take his age into account. They should be asking him about his interests and vocational work, career aspirations, guiding him to age appropriate services in the community.

Adult mental health wards take patients from
18 up to around 60 (there are separate wards for older people who tend to have more physical/mobility issues and need extra help).

I agree OP. Young people with neurodisability are often developmentally younger

They push him to engage with groups because it’s part of a therapy programme. Groups on mental health wards usually include art, gardening, cooking and nutrition, psychology, talking groups, relaxation, yoga, exercise and life skills. They’re run by skilled OTs, activity workers, nurses and psychologists. It’s not all about socialising and movies. It’s getting him active and keeping him busy, learning new skills, taking responsibility. The group programmes are supposed to be therapeutic not fun.