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Original poster

Hospitalisation

46 replies

Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 13:25

I have a young teen awaiting imminant hospitalisation. We have been told they don't know how long until they have a place but will probably be very quick when they do. It's meant to be as short as possible admission but Early intervention psychosis service has said to expect 6-8 weeks. I think it might take much much longer.

I'm dealing or not dealing with the emotional side of things but I have lots of stupid innane questions, like who does the laundry whilst they are in, do I need to name tag everything. Questions that seem stupid when I'm talking big stuff like capacity assessment but I don't really want to have to resolve in a hurry

Anyone any advice?

OP posts:
Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 13:42

Suppose I ought to have a bag packed just in case

OP posts:
carly2803 · 28/04/2023 13:55

Ive no advise except pack a bag and be ready - including chargers? for ipads etc - mabey store them on top of the bag so they are ready to grab and go?

Fivetoomany · 28/04/2023 14:00

It's very unlikely they will be allowed normal charger wires.
Things also probably not permitted are shoelaces, drawstrings (shorts, trousers) scarves and belts.
Any sharps, lighters and vapes etc.
try and be mindful when packing as having these taken away will be upsetting.

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 14:17

Thank you people, any recommendations for charging wires that are likely to be acceptable?

(Ds isn't overly a risk to himself, just to anyone he decides has been taken over by clones, so I guess the wire things will stand on the better safe than sorry theory)

OP posts:
Fivetoomany · 28/04/2023 14:19

You can buy really short ones (roughly 10cm) I believe these are the types used to avoid any ligature harm.
Although I'm making assumptions of what will be aloud, it sounds like he will be going into a secure unit? Wherever he will be it's better to be safe than sorry.

NoItsNotAndNeverWillBe · 28/04/2023 14:28

Having a bag ready is a good idea. The person I know who was admitted as a teen had parents drop off clean clothes similar and take dirty home, some may differ though.

Lists of medication they're already on is handy as they can sort that int quicker if you've got the repeat slips, they'll mostly likely take any meds off them if you pack them, even vitamins they took off the person I know.

Books or things to keep busy with in case their phone isn't allowed for a while. Journal to document their thoughts and journey might me good. San pro if they are a girl.

Wired chargers were taken off the teen I know, she was able to charge her phone and Nintendo switch in a communal area or staff would charge for her. Photos of family and friends or something to remind them of home and how much they're loved. The person I know took squishmallows bought for her by close family and a pillow with her dogs photo on and her mums perfume sprayed on it.

After a few weeks the person I know was able to do things like order costa and food for delivery and things from Amazon, other patients would live stream or post vids to social media if they had their own room.

If you know where they're going to be admitted the you could ring that ward and ask about laundry. They'll also should be able to tell you want they won't be allowed to take with them or things they may not be able to have alone. Have your young teen write any questions they may want to ask too and you can get that info. They will hear all these questions a lot and it can be useful to be able to ask when you're worried sick about things that may seem small but that can make a big difference to the stay.

I hope everything goes ok.

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:01

Op come and join people who've been through it. Parenting mental health on Facebook is a start

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:05

Secure units are predominantly for people who have been involved in criminal procedures etc - all detained persons have a large amount of liberty removed.

Fivetoomany · 28/04/2023 15:06

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:05

Secure units are predominantly for people who have been involved in criminal procedures etc - all detained persons have a large amount of liberty removed.

Yes, this is right. This is also where they place children with severe mental health problems, who can not be kept safe at home unfortunately.

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:08

Yes, this is right. This is also where they place children with severe mental health problems, who can not be kept safe at home unfortunately.

My child was not in a secure unit. Not all people detained are in them.

Fivetoomany · 28/04/2023 15:09

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:08

Yes, this is right. This is also where they place children with severe mental health problems, who can not be kept safe at home unfortunately.

My child was not in a secure unit. Not all people detained are in them.

Sorry I wasn't saying all children, or even this particular child will be. That's just what I have experience of.

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:10

Oh maybe we are talking at crossed purposes. I think sometimes the terminology can be confusing - a unit is secure anyway without being 'a secure unit'

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 15:45

NoItsNotAndNeverWillBe · 28/04/2023 14:28

Having a bag ready is a good idea. The person I know who was admitted as a teen had parents drop off clean clothes similar and take dirty home, some may differ though.

Lists of medication they're already on is handy as they can sort that int quicker if you've got the repeat slips, they'll mostly likely take any meds off them if you pack them, even vitamins they took off the person I know.

Books or things to keep busy with in case their phone isn't allowed for a while. Journal to document their thoughts and journey might me good. San pro if they are a girl.

Wired chargers were taken off the teen I know, she was able to charge her phone and Nintendo switch in a communal area or staff would charge for her. Photos of family and friends or something to remind them of home and how much they're loved. The person I know took squishmallows bought for her by close family and a pillow with her dogs photo on and her mums perfume sprayed on it.

After a few weeks the person I know was able to do things like order costa and food for delivery and things from Amazon, other patients would live stream or post vids to social media if they had their own room.

If you know where they're going to be admitted the you could ring that ward and ask about laundry. They'll also should be able to tell you want they won't be allowed to take with them or things they may not be able to have alone. Have your young teen write any questions they may want to ask too and you can get that info. They will hear all these questions a lot and it can be useful to be able to ask when you're worried sick about things that may seem small but that can make a big difference to the stay.

I hope everything goes ok.

Thank you this helps hugely.

If no idea where DS is going to be admitted yet. The psych team are pushing for "local" (still about an hour away) but there is some debate whether it would appropriate or "skilled" enough and the urgent help team are notionally looking nationwide.

OP posts:
Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 15:47

Fivetoomany · 28/04/2023 15:06

Yes, this is right. This is also where they place children with severe mental health problems, who can not be kept safe at home unfortunately.

Show quote history

I suspect this may be part of the debate as to where he goes. He has had quite violent episodes but he is very vulnerable also

OP posts:
Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 15:48

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:01

Op come and join people who've been through it. Parenting mental health on Facebook is a start

Thank you!!! This is absolutely what I need!!! I have had no idea how to connect with anyone else who has been through even vaguely similar

OP posts:
henchhen · 28/04/2023 15:53

I don't have any advice OP but I wish you look. I too have a teen who is teetering on the edge of needing help, and I truly see myself being in your position one day. I hope it all works out and your DC gets the help he needs 💐

OneFrenchEgg · 28/04/2023 15:56

Thank you!!! This is absolutely what I need!!! I have had no idea how to connect with anyone else who has been through even vaguely similar

Ok this was me a few years ago , please make use of parent groups. Young minds has a brilliant helpline and website if you need it

JennieTheZebra · 28/04/2023 16:04

MH nurse here. Once you know where he’s being admitted, ring the unit. They will have a booklet for parents/carers of patients that will let you know exactly what they’re allowed that they can send you via email/ link you to. Different units have different laundry procedures. In general, older teens/adults will be encouraged to do their own laundry if well enough. For younger children, in those units with laundry facilities it can be done on site, whereas in other units parents have to take clothes home.
Good luck and I hope he turns a corner soon ❤️

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 28/04/2023 16:25

JennieTheZebra · 28/04/2023 16:04

MH nurse here. Once you know where he’s being admitted, ring the unit. They will have a booklet for parents/carers of patients that will let you know exactly what they’re allowed that they can send you via email/ link you to. Different units have different laundry procedures. In general, older teens/adults will be encouraged to do their own laundry if well enough. For younger children, in those units with laundry facilities it can be done on site, whereas in other units parents have to take clothes home.
Good luck and I hope he turns a corner soon ❤️

Thank you. I will definitely do that!! I know laundry sounds such a stupid worry, but I suppose it's trying to work out how we all get on practically.

Thank you, me too!!❤❤

OP posts:
TooMuchStuffArghhh · 03/05/2023 11:00

I would initial clothes Including underwear with one of these pens. It's a fine liner and can be discreet. It's hard to keep track of clothes on a ward.

I would also label phones/cables/the plug/any other stuff. So that its easy to keep track of his stuff.

I would make sure that joggers etc haven't got drawstrings. Even if he's not a risk, other people may be, so they won't be allowed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pilot-Laundry-Tec-Fabric-Marker/dp/B00FA2FQSY/ref=asc_df_B00FA2FQSY/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=234987689465&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1950649686563779233&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007460&hvtargid=pla-390990140620&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

glittergirl26 · 18/05/2023 21:26

Take shoes without laces aa they were removed immediately in my childs caae

glittergirl26 · 18/05/2023 21:29

Also my 14 year old had ro so her own washing but they did show her how to do it. Hopefully you get somewhere close by x

cansu · 18/05/2023 21:31

Note of caution
Do not just assume that the professionals know best. It is absolutely better to be local. You will need to advocate. I am so sorry you are in this position. My ds was sectioned. I have been through a lot of shit but the stay in hospital nearly broke me. Hold out for as local as you can. I was told they were looking nationally and I was very clear that I would not agree. I am not minimising the situation. Our ds was tearing us and the house apart. The mental health services team is not your friend. They are people searching for a tier 3 bed. That is it.

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 19/05/2023 00:08

Ds is still at home.....

Our local ward has refused the referral 🫣as they say they cannot met need for some of DS's physical needs. And don't believe any tier 3 placement can so we'll need a specialist learning disabilities unit, except DS doesn't have a learning disabilities diagnosis so I'm wondering how he fits the criteria 🙄🙄🙄

Suddenly everyone has gone very quiet.

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OneFrenchEgg · 19/05/2023 06:33

Is this a voluntary admission, rather than a section?