For More Information
Call the medical experts for the Geriatric Behavioral Center at Thomasville Medical Center and hear about options available.
336-476-2446
What will happen while I am in the hospital?
The purpose of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization is to help you stabilize (emotionally and physically) from acute distress. We provide support and intervention as needed to help you cope and recover from a mental health crisis. We offer a structured daily program of therapeutic activities, medication adjustment and management, and opportunities for group and individual therapy. You will have interactions daily with your doctor, nurses, therapists, and other patients. We encourage your participation in the groups and activities that are offered, as they are the core of the therapy program. Most of the day is structured but there will be time for rest and relaxation. We offer both private and semi-private rooms, based upon a person’s therapeutic need and room availability.
How long will I have to be hospitalized?
The average length of stay in our program is 12 days, but length of stay will vary from patient to patient, depending upon that person’s treatment needs.
What should I bring for my hospital stay?
We encourage street clothes, not hospital gowns. Bring what you would normally wear during the day at home, and bring enough clothes for at least 4 days, including clothes that you can layer, pajamas or a night gown. Bring shoes with rubber soles that are comfortable because you will be physically active during the day as you are able. We strongly recommend you label your belongings with a permanent marker, and we can do that for you once you arrive. Don’t forget dentures, glasses, and hearing aids if you use them.
You may bring personal toiletry items, and one or two things to help you feel more comfortable in your room, such as an extra pillow or blanket from home. If you bring photographs or if you receive flowers, keep in mind that no glass or sharp objects are allowed in patients’ rooms (we recommend Plexiglas frames, for example, or plastic vases). Each patient will have their own belongings box locked at the nurse’s station for items that cannot be kept in the room. Cell phones are not allowed as access to hospital phones is available.
You may bring special snacks from home but they will be kept in the kitchen until you want them. We also provide snacks here. You may want to bring a journal, a book, or activity to work on during downtime during the day. Your room will not have a TV in it. There are TVs for patient use in the group day rooms.
There will be no need for you to have money while you are here, and we encourage you not to bring any. If you have cash over $20 it will be put in the hospital safe until the time of your discharge.
Can I have visitors?
Yes. Visitors are allowed during visiting hours:
12 noon -1:30 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Monday-Friday
3 pm - 6:30 pm on weekends
For your privacy, no one will be allowed to visit unless they give your confidentiality code number that will be given to you upon admission.
