When you are faced with anxiety over what to expect while attending an upcoming residential eating disorder treatment program, many questions will arise. You may have already thought of some of the questions, and others will come to mind based on exposure to more information about the process. Rest assured that you aren’t the first person wondering what to do next, and you won’t be the last. These programs are designed to help and heal but are still filled with the unexpected, at least for a short time. Let us help you find your footing, alleviate some stress, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Get ready for your treatment with our essential checklist. Download it today and feel more prepared. Continue reading to learn more.
What Should You Pack for Your Stay?
Packing your bags is part of any residential treatment program. Wondering what to bring with you can induce anxiety and frustration at the unknown. Let us help you reduce some of your stressors by offering a helpful packing list. Of course, you may have a few items that are unique to your special needs or preferences on your list.
Use this practical checklist to help you decide what to pack for an eating disorder treatment residential program.
- Clothing (seven-day supply)
- Everyday Shirts and Pants
- Socks
- Undergarments
- Pajamas
- Robe
- Slippers
- Activewear
- Active and Everyday Shoes (two pairs is sufficient)
- Outerwear (jacket, hat, gloves)
- Personal Hygiene Products (30-day supply)
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Floss
- Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)
- Deodorant
- Soap or Body Wash
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Sunscreen
- Skincare Products
- Glasses
- Contact Lenses and Cleaners, etc.
- Hair Care Products
- Hairbrush or Comb
- Styling Tools (if allowed)
- Shower Shoes
- Personal Items
- Photo Album
- Stuffed Animals
- Special Blanket or Pillow
- Small Memento
- Journal and Pen
- Technology*
- Plugs or Adapters
- Charging Cords
- Backup Batteries or Chargers
- Miscellaneous
- Insurance Card
- Admittance Paperwork
- Prescribed Medications (in original bottles)
- Family or Support System Contact Information
- Driver’s License or Other Acceptable Identification
- Cash ($100 in small bills)
- Credit or Debit Card
- Stationary, Envelopes, and Stamps
*Always ask your treatment facility point of contact about their specific rules regarding bringing smartphones, laptops, tablets, handheld gaming devices, or any other items.
What Should You Ask During the Admissions Process?
Once you arrive onsite for your residential treatment eating disorder stay, you may feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Rest assured, this is common. Since this is a stressful yet positive step you are taking to care for yourself, you may forget to ask some questions upon arrival. We have you covered with this helpful list.
- What is the assessment process?
- Will I work with the same provider throughout my stay?
- How do we determine or assess if I’m making progress?
- How often will we discuss my treatment plan?
- How long is residential treatment?
- Will I have individual and/or group treatment options?
- Will I have my own room or a roommate?
- What are the nutritional guidelines, and how do meals work?
- Are meals supervised?
- What activities are available?
- Can I access the internet?
- Can I keep my phone with me?
- Can I communicate with my family and friends?
- If so, what is the process, and how often?
- Does this program allow visitors?
- If I have any other questions during my stay, who do I ask?
One thing to note is that there is never a wrong question. If you have a question, you’re probably not the first. As questions come to mind, write them down so you have them ready, as you may forget in the moment. You are a part of your own treatment plan and deserve to have as much information as possible.
What Should You Expect During Your Stay?
One of the best ways to approach a stay at an eating disorder residential treatment Florida program is to take a tour before your treatment is scheduled to begin. This will help allay any concerns or fears about the unknown. Remember to come with your list of questions, and please ask any that you think of during your visit.
Those entering treatment often wonder what a typical day will be like and may have skewed expectations based on outdated movies. You don’t have to worry about those worn-out stereotypes and can expect a structured yet welcoming and comfortable environment similar to home. You can expect a personalized schedule that will incorporate individual and group therapy sessions, medical care tailored to your assessment and treatment plan, and recreation activities to keep you balanced and connected to the community.
Your day will vary, depending on your specific treatment plan, but you can expect to participate in some common practices and activities, just as the other people in attendance. These activities will focus on the whole body, including your mental, emotional, and physical health and healing. Family involvement is usually part of the process to help nurture relationships and promote healing.
You will have a scheduled time to get up and get ready each day. Mornings will include breakfast, mindfulness activities such as movement, and individual and/or group therapy sessions based on your treatment plan.
Afternoons include lunch, mindful movement practices such as yoga, and life skills. Some life skills you might participate in involve cooking skills and grocery shopping.
In the evening, you will have dinner followed by a group therapy session. Afterward, residents are encouraged to engage with one another in free time activities and then a scheduled lights out or bedtime.
Contact the Professionals at ViaMar Health Today.
When you are ready to enter into residential treatment for eating disorders, know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Don’t go into your eating disorder residential treatment unprepared. Use our short guide to help you find your way to healing and better health by knowing what to expect and advocating for what you need. Our helpful checklist will help you prepare and keep you on track so you know what you need and what to expect. Please don’t hesitate to contact our caring and experienced staff with any questions you may have. We are here to help you.
