Avoid this place unless you are using it for an a 7 day drug or alcohol detox before going into another long term facility. It is nothing but a holding tank.
I SIGNED MYSELF IN for 72 hours because my family thought I was suicidal (I was not), after a night of too much wine and an argument when I learned my boyfriend was cheating on me. My man called my son and said I was having a meltdown and things only got worse from there.
After 72 hours I wanted to sign myself out. I had shown no signs of: aggression, of being sad or depressed, nor was I suicidal. They could see I was in good spirits. I participated and was very open about what had happened that landed me there. A social worker got on the phone with my children and me. He told my children he felt I needed to stay for their full 7 to 10 day program (they have nothing worthwhile as a program...One hour a day of group discussion does nothing). My kids said they would count on the professionals at Hendricks to do what was best for their mom. I reminded my kids that these people had a financial incentive to keep me there. I explained my day was filled with working puzzles, playing games, and watching TV. After that I tried to get out by completing an AMA (against medical advice) but was told if I did not rescind it, they would send it to the court, who would side with the hospital and add another 72 required stay. Every opportunity I used to try to get out was met with the threat of 72 hour court hold. They planned to keep me for the full 7 days no matter what I did.
They were lacking hygiene supplies (shampoo, Vaseline for dry sore lips, etc). They could not give me my normal required supplements for malabsorption syndrome. One nurse also decided that one of my meds was wrong for me. I have had bariatric surgery in 2007 and am closely monitored by 3 doctors (my bariatric doctor, my Primary Care Physician, and my endocrinologist). Yet this person forced me to a medication change that caused me to eat uncontrollably, have a very dry mouth all day, and had me feeling like I was vibrating all day. Even after reporting all the adverse reactions I was experiencing, that professional felt they knew better than my personal medical team, saying she had been doing her job for 10 years and she knew what was best for me. Besides all the negative responses I was getting, I gained 15 pounds in retained fluids during the 8 days I was there. Many of the staff acted like Gods and wanted to exhibit unnecessary control over the patients (one male nurse who passed out medication (not Brad. He also passed out Meds but he was awesome), a nurse practitioner from India (who wore a man-bun), and there were several floor techs...These employees should be removed as they are harmful to the patients. I will not use their names here but I listed their names on my discharge review. Hopefully someone in charge that can make changes, will start weeding these employees out.
Here are the names of just a few of the AWESOME staff: techs Lionel and Liz (she is from Nairobi South Africa), Brad (he also passed out meds), and Stephanie, who helped with my discharge. Others include: Kristie, Mahogany, Gwendolyn, Linda, Clara, and Geneva. I wish I could list the names of all the other great staff employees.
Another problem is that many of the staff contradict what other staff members say and what the rules are. There is a lot of inconsistency.
There should be a state investigation for HIPPA violations also. One of the nurse techs was overheard talking about a patient's problem and making fun of it.
I told the social worker and other staff who threatened me with court papers for 72 hours additional hold, that they picked the wrong person to do this to. I am a retired medical underwriter. I will do my best to save anyone else from what I went through.
If poor patient review's don't impress you, read the reviews of people who actually have worked there. PLEASE, find another place for your loved ones. read more