Frequently Asked Questions While Admitted to the House of Avicenna
 What should I bring with me
to the hospital?
Do’s: POA/Guardianship papers, Advance Directive papers (if applicable), 3-4 comfortable outfits (street clothes), sleepwear, shoes without strings, and a list of medications you are currently taking. If you are coming from home, please bring all the medications you take in a bag with you.
Don’t’s: Sharp objects, belts, suspenders, expensive jewelry/personal items, money. To keep our environment safe some items you bring may need to be kept in the station. We do not allow cell phone, personal electronics.
Can I have visitors?
Visiting hours are from 1 pm to 2:30pm each day. Visitors are required to sign in upon visitation to maintain client confidentiality. Children under 12 years of age may only enter the unit upon approval from staff.
Why is the unit locked?
The secured unit provides safety for all of our patients.
Why am I here?
People are admitted for various reasons, some of which include adjustments to their medications which treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, psychoses, and/or agitation. Others may be admitted to the unit because they have trouble with their memory or have an unsafe living situation at their home.
How long will I be here?
Patients generally remain with us until their symptoms improve. Sometimes, with proper medication and individualized treatment, symptoms improve within a short time. Others may take longer. The average stay in a program such as ours is 2 weeks.
What is going to happen to me here?
Patients are encouraged to eat their meals in the dining room, wear street clothes, and participate in our daily programming. This includes activities, doctor’s visits, medication adjustments, individual and group therapy, and plan of care and treatment goal setting meetings.
Who is my doctor?
Dr. Nevels is the psychiatrist who treats patients on this unit. There will be a primary care physician assigned to provide medical care for you while you are admitted to the unit.
Who’s running this place?
The staff include a program director/nurse manager, social worker, activity director, nurses, and nursing assistants who are responsible for providing care.
Can I use the telephone?
Telephone privileges are allowed when convenient, not interrupting therapy.
Can I go outside?
You will be permitted to go outside with physician’s order, under supervision from staff, weather and schedule permitting.
Can I smoke or chew tobacco?
Tobacco use is by physician order only and is supervised by staff. Going outside to smoke is permitted only if staff is available and weather permits. Nicotine patches are available if requested from the doctor.
Can I watch television?
Yes. There is a TV room on the unit where you can watch a variety of programs as long as it does not interfere with your treatment.
What about food?
You will be provided nutritious food and snacks in accordance with your prescribed diet.
What about money?
You should not need any money during your stay. All meals, snacks, and drinks are provided as part of your care.
Thank you for allowing The House of Avicenna to serve your needs.
For more information please call us at 205 930 3630
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