Family guide
A family guide to residential mental health care
Looking into residential care for someone you love raises a lot of questions, and most families are asking them for the first time. These articles give plain answers for families in Oregon, in the order the questions tend to come up. Start with whichever stage you are in, and come back to the others when you need them. The guide is general information and does not replace medical or legal advice.
Stage 1
Understanding
Before anything else, it helps to know what residential treatment is. These articles explain what a residential treatment home is, who lives in one, and what daily life looks like. They also cover the signs that a person may need more support than home or outpatient care can give, and some common worries families bring with them.
What is a residential treatment home?
A plain explanation of what these homes are, who lives in them, and what daily life is like.
Signs It May Be Time to Consider Residential Support
Everyday changes that can show a person needs more support than home or outpatient care provides, and where to begin.
What People Often Get Wrong About Residential Mental Health Care
Six common worries about residential care, from losing independence to being shut out as a family, and what the reality can look like.
Stage 2
Choosing
Oregon has several kinds of residential settings, and they differ in size, staffing, and how much support they offer. These articles explain the differences, who to call first when you start looking, how the county and care organization route generally works, and what to ask and notice when you visit a home.
Types of Residential Mental Health Settings in Oregon
How adult foster homes, residential treatment homes, larger facilities, and supportive housing differ in staffing, independence, and support.
How to find residential mental health care in Oregon
Who to call first, how the county and CCO route generally works, and what to do while you look.
Questions to ask when touring a residential treatment home
A checklist of questions for any home you visit, plus what to notice while you are there.
Stage 3
Preparing
Once a home is chosen, the move itself takes planning. These articles cover the paperwork and packing, what the first days and weeks usually look like, and what an ordinary day in a residential home can look like, so you and your person know what to expect.
Preparing for move in to residential treatment
Paperwork, packing, and what the first days and weeks usually look like for the person and their family.
What a Day in Residential Care Can Look Like
A general picture of mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends in a residential home, plus questions to ask any home.
Stage 4
Supporting
Moving in is the start of a new routine for the whole family. These articles are about staying connected, working with staff, respecting your person's choices, and looking after yourself. They also cover how to support someone with low motivation or low energy, which is common with serious mental illness.
Supporting a loved one in residential mental health care
How to stay connected, work with staff, respect your person's choices, and look after yourself.
Supporting Someone With Low Motivation or Low Energy
Why low motivation is common with serious mental illness, and small, patient ways families can help.
Also useful
Questions families ask
Answers about Melrose Residential, admission, and daily life.
How admission works
The six steps from first contact to move-in at Melrose Residential.
