How to Find the Right Residential Treatment in Washington State

Choosing the right residential treatment for a friend or loved one requires both trusted medical advice and in-depth research. There are many residential treatment facilities for many different illnesses; some specialize in the treatment of one condition, while others treat a wide variety of patients. Your doctor and the Washington State Department of Health can help you choose the right residential treatment facility for your loved one.

Instructions

• 1

  Get the contact information for the doctor of the loved one who is seeking residential treatment. No matter what the underlying condition, the person's doctor will be in the best position to know what kind of care your loved one needs. Your doctor should also be able to provide names and contact information for appropriate residential facilities. If your loved one needs an assisted living facility, explore the Washington State Department of Aging's assisted living options.

• 2

  Read through the Washington State Department of Health's residential treatment facility guide for details on how such facilities are structured and what your loved one's rights will be as a resident and as a patient. If your loved one is mentally competent, review this information with her as well.

• 3

  Search the Washington State Department of Health's residential facility search to get names and contact information of residential treatment facilities that might be a good fit for your loved one. Compile that information alongside the information provided by your loved one's doctor.

• 4

  Call each of the residential facilities that you are considering for your loved one, and arrange to visit and interview staff and management.

• 5

  Ask in-depth questions of the staff and managers concerning care available, prescription drug dispensation, if needed, and patient treatment. Ask also about the licensing procedure for all staff who will be caring for your loved one.

• 6

  Use this information to choose the best fit in a residential facility for your loved one.