Evergreen Substance Abuse Treatment Center at Bergen Regional Medical Center Family Handbook for Patients Participating in the BRMC Detoxification Program Fully Accredited by the Joint Commission 230 East Ridgewood Avenue Paramus, New Jersey 07652 www.bergenregional.com
At BRMC, we understand that addiction and its treatment affects more than just the patient. Family and loved ones are also affected and frequently have questions and concerns when they accompany their loved one on the first day of their detoxification program. BRMC s Substance Abuse Treatment Program
What Happens at Admission to the Detox Program? The treatment team has created the following information in an attempt to make the process as easy and clear as possible for family members. The admission process for Detox usually takes several hours beginning at 7:30am. Patients can expect treatment to last between 4 and 8 days. Family members are asked to wait in the cafeteria, main lobby or Café area while the patient is being processed. Patient must have two (2) forms of ID, proof of income (pay stubs, unemployment, social security and public assistance) and proof of address. Commercial insurance may require co-pay. During admission the patient will complete required consent forms and be seen by a mental health assistant, to check vital signs. The patient will then be seen by a credit/collections counselor to establish eligibility for admission and required payment if any. If the patient lacks any required documents we will attempt to have them faxed to access. If not available the patient will be rescheduled. Once admitted, the patient will be searched for contraband for their safety and the safety of others. The patient will be issued hospital clothing, their belongings will be stored in a safe location and returned upon discharge. Patients are required to return the hospital issued clothing upon discharge. They will be examined by a physician and treatment plan begun. Patient should bring all prescribed medications. The hospital will provide medications during stay. The Detox unit is locked, no visitors are permitted. Limited phone calls are only for the purpose of referral or transportation. Patients are expected to arrange for their transportation home, by 10am on the day of discharge, before their admission. Counselor will make their best efforts to refer patient for continuing treatment on completion of Detox. Unit rules are designed to insure patient safety; they are given to patients and posted on the unit. Violating rules can lead to being discharged before treatment is completed. If a patient is in possession of contraband, they will be discharged If a patient is in possession of drugs or weapons, security will escort them off the unit and the police will be contacted. Smoking is not permitted in the Medical Center. www.bergenregional.com
Frequently Asked Questions What is done with my loved one s valuables and personal belongings? Jewelry, cash, credit cards and other valuables should be sent home with a family member during your loved one s stay. Do they need to provide their own linens? What about laundry? Fresh towels are distributed every morning, and clothing is provided by the unit. What should the patient expect after discharge from the hospital? The patient and treatment team will work together to determine an appropriate aftercare plan. What time is discharge? Most discharges occur prior to 10am. Later discharges can be arranged if need be by request to the staff. Family members and friends picking up patients are asked to be at the hospital at discharge time. How does a patient access their Medical Records? By calling the BRMC Medical Records Department at 201.967.4065 What are the Visiting Hours? Due to the nature of the program, the unit is locked and no visitation is permitted. Can I reach my loved one by phone? Phones are available on the units and can be used by patients with assistance of the unit staff. BRMC s Substance Abuse Treatment Program
Frequently Asked Questions Can family call to get updates on a patient s progress? Families are encouraged to actively participate in their loved one s treatment, including getting progress reports. One family member should be designated to call for updates and then have this individual share the information with other family members. Please remember, a Release of Information form must be signed by the patient allowing clinical staff to disclose any information. During normal workday hours, the social worker assigned to the patient can assist with this; after 5pm and on weekends, the Nursing Supervisor must be contacted at (provide number or specific directions) Release of Information: At the time of admission, patients are able to complete a form that asks them to identify specific individuals (a family member, physician, agency, etc.) who may receive information regarding that patient s status and treatment. Important points to remember: If anyone calls BRMC asking for information about a patient, their presence here will neither be confirmed nor denied. Patients must give written consent to allow your treatment team to release information. Patients are asked to keep confidential the knowledge of the presence of other persons in treatment, both during treatment and after. Visitors are also asked to respect the confidentiality of others here at BRMC. How often will my loved one meet with the Clinical Staff? Daily How can I get information regarding my loved one s treatment? A Release of Information form must be signed by the patient allowing clinical staff to disclose any information. During business hours, the social worker or counselor assigned to the patient can assist with this; after 5 p.m. and on weekends, the Nursing Supervisor must be contacted. Who do I speak to about the medications my loved one is taking? You may speak to the Doctor, Nurse, social worker or counselor to discuss medications if a Consent for Release of Information has been assigned to you. Is smoking permitted at BRMC? Smoking is not permitted in the hospital. There are designated smoking areas and breaks made for patients available during the day. www.bergenregional.com
The Patient s Personal Items Items that are Appropriate for Admission: List of Current Medications Insurance Card Cash (in amounts up to $50) Items Not Appropriate for Admission: Food/Caffeinated Beverages Drugs or Alcohol (this includes toiletries that contain alcohol) Perfume/Cologne, Aerosol cans Razors or Sharp Items (i.e. nail clippers, tweezers) Electric Razor Irons Please note that personal grooming and clothing items are not permitted at admission to the Detox program. Toiletries and hospital clothing for the duration of the program will be provided by the unit. BRMC is not responsible for valuables in excess of $50. Patient s personal items which are not claimed within 90 days of discharge, shall become the property of the hospital and will be disposed of by the hospital as it deems appropriate. Curling Irons, hair dyes, bleaches, curlers or picks Soap, Deodorant, Shampoo/Conditioner, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hairspray Weapons of Any Kind (i.e. knives, mace, etc.) Wire Hangers (plastic hangers are permitted) Revealing Clothing (i.e. tank tops, tight clothing, short skirts shorts, shirts with alcohol, drug or gambling logos) Opened Packs of Cigarettes Videos Electrical Equipment Anything Valuable Cell Phones, Pagers, Palm Pilots, Computers, Televisions, Tape Recorders, CD Players, Radio/Tape/IPOD/MP3 Players, etc. Cameras or other recording devices Expensive Jewelry Any Toxic Material (white-out, glue, etc) Cash (in amounts exceeding $50) BRMC s Substance Abuse Treatment Program
Family Support is Important Research has verified three essential elements that support recovery for a loved one and his or her commitment to abstinence: 1. Aggressive intervention 2. Family participation 3. Sustained community support - involvement with a 12 Step Recovery Program. The tremendous success the Evergreen Program has demonstrated is based on this integrated team approach. Additional Resources Alcoholics Anonymous www.aa.org Narcotics Anonymous of NJ www.nanj.org New Jersey Al-Anon & Alateen www.nj-al-anon.org Nar-Anon of New Jersey www.naranonofnj.org BRMC is a Member of American Hospital Association New Jersey Hospital Association Hospital Alliance of New Jersey Approved by American Medical Association Fully Accredited by The Joint Commission Licensed by New Jersey Dept. of Health & Senior Services www.bergenregional.com
Located at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus, NJ, Bergen Regional Medical Center provides a comprehensive set of quality services including Long Term Care, Behavioral Health Care and Acute/Ambulatory Care to the Bergen County community. Bergen Regional is both the largest hospital with 1,070 beds and the largest licensed nursing home in New Jersey. The Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission. Additionally, with 323 beds, Bergen Regional is one of the largest medical resources providing a continuum of care for the behavioral health community and is a safety net provider for the mentally impaired, elderly, uninsured or underinsured for the state of New Jersey. In addition to its long term care and behavioral health/substance abuse expertise, Bergen Regional also offers acute medical services including: 24/7 emergency department; surgical suites; physical rehabilitation; pharmacy; laboratory; radiologic services and 23 ambulatory specialties available through the BRMC Clinic. Whatever your medical or mental health needs, Bergen Regional Medical Center is committed to providing you and your loved one with compassionate and quality care. Three Divisions of Care One Center of Excellence Behavioral Health Care Long Term Care Acute & Ambulatory Care Fully Accredited by the Joint Commission 230 East Ridgewood Avenue Paramus, New Jersey 07652 www.bergenregional.com Evergreen Family Handbook rev. 6-25-12
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Evergreen Substance Abuse Treatment Center at Bergen Regional Medical Center Helpful Information for patients and their loved ones Fully Accredited by the Joint Commission 230 East Ridgewood Avenue Paramus, New Jersey 07652 www.bergenregional.com