March 10, 2011
As the admissions manager, people frequently ask me about how we ease residents into our program. While each individual comes in with their own hopes, there are some common denominators as each person joins the community.
Janet, a 23 year old who suffers from Major Depressive Disorder, came with her parents to tour Hopewell after hearing about us from her private therapist. After seeing Hopewell, and all that it had to offer, she decided Hopewell could be a place for her to find peace as well as work on understanding her illness.
A week later, she arrived bright and early and began the process of joining our community by attending morning meeting. She learned about our talented musicians, both residents and staff, and found that the other residents were ready to take her under their wing. But more importantly, on her first day, she knew she was not alone in her struggles.
She felt at ease knowing our nurses were there to help her understand what medication she was taking and why, but she also knew that medications were only part of her healing.
After her belongings were unpacked, she met her clinical manager and psychiatrist. Together they developed an Independent Service Plan (ISP) to address current and future goals.
In the evening she joined the community for dinner and got to know her cottage roommates. She was forwarded the opportunity for additional assistance from staff throughout the night in case she needed extra support.
While the first day can be filled with excitement and anxiety, Hopewell strives to help each resident feel at home in the vibrant therapeutic community.
