FAQs

Patient engagement is a critical component of patient safety. Patients who feel connected to staff members are more likely to respond to or seek out those individuals in moments of distress, which can prevent or deescalate personal crises. For this reason, the layout of The Pavilion follows the hub-and-spoke concept, with each unit extending from a centralized nurses’ station. Additionally, offices for counselors and social workers are located on each unit so that patients have access to their caregivers at all times. This reflects the patient-centered culture essential to a recovery-oriented system.

All inpatient rooms at The Pavilion are double occupancy but can easily be converted to single rooms should the need arise for one-on-one care. Each room features the following:

1. An exterior window with integral blinds and laminated glass on the interior face
2. A bathroom door with a pressure-sensitive alarm at the lintel, a continuous hinge, and an anti-ligature lever with a magnetic latch
3. Non-breakable artwork that does not compromise patient safety
4. Secure trim, headboard, and soothing colors that contribute to the homey atmosphere of the room
5. Built-in desk and shelving unit to store patient clothing
6. Woodgrain-patterned vinyl flooring and rubber baseboards to enhance the residential feel

Patient activity areas consist of living rooms/dayrooms, dining rooms, therapy rooms, group and family meeting spaces, a quiet room for retreating, and secure outdoor spaces. The design priority in these areas was the creation of an inviting, non-institutional environment free from features that may facilitate assaults or self-harm. These areas are supervised by staff and consequently present less of a safety/security threat than areas where a patient may be left unsupervised for a period of time.

Criteria for maintaining patient safety in these areas include:

1. Lighting and other ceiling items are recessed and surface-mounted with vandal-resistant fixtures.
2. Common areas have no sharp wall, furniture, or fixture edges on which patients could injure themselves.
3. All wall items are flush mounted and securely fastened with security screws.
4. Adequate secure storage rooms are available on each Pavilion unit to prevent carts and other equipment from being stored in the corridor or open alcoves off the corridor.
5. Equipment used by patients while supervised—such as computer equipment—is located in rooms that can be locked when not in use.

Dining at The Pavilion is not just about meals. It is an integral part of our treatment programs. Led by Director of Dietary Services Valerie Huckstep, our staff provides balanced nutrition at every meal and dietary coaching to help patients continue healthy eating habits after they leave us.

Each meal is carefully prepared to bolster both the physical and mental health of our patients. Foods that help stabilize mood are always on the menu, and comfort food helps our clients feel at home. Patients have multiple choices of entrées for every meal, and the menu changes every month. Valorie is also very conscious of the importance of social interaction at meals, and she strives to show her love and respect for the patients in all aspects of her job.

As patients prepare to leave our facility, Valorie works to help them maintain healthy eating habits. In addition to showing them how to plan meals and choose nutritional foods—and avoid unhealthy choices like processed food—she also helps them develop grocery shopping habits that will make it easier for them stick to their plan.

Geriatric Dietary Services Patients in our geriatric program often have special issues around meals. Some may be admitted after a period of not eating and will need to work with dietary services to find ways to remind them to eat. Physical problems can also create difficulties. For example, patients with Parkinson’s may have trouble holding utensils due to the tremors in their hands. Others may have difficulty with chewing or swallowing. Our knowledgeable dietary services staff is trained in caring for people with these issues and can help restore health and a measure of independence to geriatric patients. 

Dining at The Pavilion is not just about meals. It is an integral part of our treatment programs. Led by Director of Dietary Services Valerie Huckstep, our staff provides balanced nutrition at every meal and dietary coaching to help patients continue healthy eating habits after they leave us.

Each meal is carefully prepared to bolster both the physical and mental health of our patients. Foods that help stabilize mood are always on the menu, and comfort food helps our clients feel at home. Patients have multiple choices of entrées for every meal, and the menu changes every month. Valorie is also very conscious of the importance of social interaction at meals, and she strives to show her love and respect for the patients in all aspects of her job.

As patients prepare to leave our facility, Valorie works to help them maintain healthy eating habits. In addition to showing them how to plan meals and choose nutritional foods—and avoid unhealthy choices like processed food—she also helps them develop grocery shopping habits that will make it easier for them stick to their plan.

Geriatric Dietary Services Patients in our geriatric program often have special issues around meals. Some may be admitted after a period of not eating and will need to work with dietary services to find ways to remind them to eat. Physical problems can also create difficulties. For example, patients with Parkinson’s may have trouble holding utensils due to the tremors in their hands. Others may have difficulty with chewing or swallowing. Our knowledgeable dietary services staff is trained in caring for people with these issues and can help restore health and a measure of independence to geriatric patients.