Packing for Rehab

How to Prepare

There are certain items that you will need during your stay at Parkdale Center. Not everything mentioned is required, but many of our former patients find these items most useful.

Please note that we do ask all of our patients to dress appropriately each day according to their therapy activities.

Please bring any prescriptions currently prescribed by your physician.
If you have controlled medications, those should be brought as well; however, depending on the reason for admission, these medications may be overseen or secured for safety purposes.
Clients must not arrive intoxicated and must be able to pass a breathalyzer of zero upon admission.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY FIREARMS OR WEAPONS. THEY WILL BE TURNED OVER TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED MEDICATIONS WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION.

Clothing

5-7 comfortable changes of clothing that are suitable for exercise
Personal undergarments
A pair of comfortable shoes with a firm non-skid sole
Gym shoes for exercise
Robe and nightwear
Seasonal outerwear (gloves, coats, hats, etc.)
Weather-appropriate clothing for working outdoors. Our patients participate in volunteer opportunities which often include working at a therapeutic horseback riding range, local community gardens, and other outdoor projects. Bring sturdy clothing and footwear which can get dirty.

Personal Hygiene Items

Patients are encouraged to bring the following items, comb or brush, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and soap.
Please bring glasses, dentures and hearing devices, if you use them, along with their containers.
Patients bringing their own medications must bring them in their original bottles from the pharmacy. We do not accept medications not in their appropriate bottles.
If you use your own cane, walker, brace or other such equipment, a staff member may need to evaluate if adjustments or modifications would be required. Parkdale Center is a historic building and does not have an elevator. Please see a staff member for assistance.

Food

Patients provide all meals and snacks for themselves. The facility's kitchen is available for your use, and there are multiple grocery stores and restaurants nearby.
We recommend only bringing enough food to last for 2 to 3 days, as you will have opportunities to go grocery shopping during your stay, and refrigerator/freezer space is shared among patients. Some examples of items you might want to bring include bottled water, soda, dairy products, snacks, lunch meats, proteins, frozen foods, and any of your favorite treats.

Personal Items

Many patients find it comforting to bring photos from home, so please feel free to do so. You may also want to bring writing or reading materials for use during your leisure time. We have a library available (bookcase) for your use that includes donated books and magazines, as well as Internet access.
You will need to access your email. Please know your password.
Names, contact information, and addresses of anyone you’d like listed as a contact, including family, clinicians, or other agencies.
Laptops, iPads, and cell phones are permitted.
Notebooks, pens, and pencils
Bedrooms will have Twin beds available. Pillows, sheets, and blankets will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Bath Towels
Laundry soap and fabric softener sheets for the coin-operated laundry room. (You will have the opportunity to purchase these locally.)
Cleaning supplies for bedroom, bathroom, and living areas. (You will have the opportunity to purchase these locally.)
Spending money for groceries, personal items, and community events. (Quarters for the coin-operated laundry machines. (Change may be available onsite if necessary.)
Personal Mail: Please do not change your mailing address to Parkdale Center during your stay. Parkdale Center is a business, and the USPS may not allow you to change your mailing address in the future.
CPAP/ Mouth Appliance or other sleep and breathing aid if you use one.
Please remember to leave all valuables at home. Parkdale Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Transporatation

Patients are encouraged to bring their own cars or rent a vehicle locally during their stay at Parkdale Center. Parkdale Center does not provide transportation. Patients often leave the grounds daily for 12 Step and other support meetings, volunteering, visiting the YMCA, and trips to local recreation, shopping, or restaurants. Patients must carpool during these trips off Parkdale grounds, but having a vehicle available will add convenience.

Parkdale Center for Professionals

What to Expect When You Arrive at Rehab

When you arrive at Parkdale Center, we will be ready and waiting for you. If appropriate, you may leave your personal items in your vehicle until you’re shown to your room. If you prefer to bring them inside, that is fine as well. Here is what comes next:

INTAKEWhen You Enter Parkdale
Intake
You, and your loved ones, if they are with you, will meet with a staff member. This staff member will immediately perform a breath test and urine drug test to verify that you are sober. If you are not sober, you may not admit to Parkdale Center and will be referred to other options until you are sober.

After these tests, the staff member will walk you through the admission process. There are several forms to be filled out. These forms are completed digitally, but if you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know.

These forms include:
- Basic personal information
- Medical information
- Patient rights and responsibilities
- Parkdale Center’s privacy policy
- HIPAA compliance
- Release of Information agreements
BILLINGPaying for Parkdale
Insurance
Next, you will meet with a member of our billing team to discuss your insurance, payment arrangements, and collect your signature on relevant forms.

Please feel free to ask questions about any of these documents or policies. After completion, all documents will be emailed to you for your records.
FAMILYFamily Involvement
Family Involvement
You will be asked to include at least one family member in your treatment plan. Research and practice have demonstrated that family participation substantially improves treatment outcomes. In the event a family member is unable to participate, other options may be offered. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
SAFEClient Handbook & Personal Items
Handbook
Next, you will be issued a folder containing a handbook and “homework assignments.” Please do not complete the homework assignments until your therapist has specifically assigned them to you.

You will also be given a lockbox to store any medications or valuable items like cell phones. Parkdale Center strongly encourages you leave any unnecessary valuables at home. We cannot be responsible for lost items. You will discuss any medications you have with our doctors or nursing staff soon after you arrive.
TOURTake a Tour
Personal Tour
Next, you will be issued a folder containing a handbook and “homework assignments.” Please do not complete the homework assignments until your therapist has specifically assigned them to you.

Once you’ve brought in your luggage, a staff member will perform a bag check examining its contents. Please have any medications ready to immediately show to the staff member.

You will also be given a lockbox to store any medications or valuable items like cell phones. Parkdale Center strongly encourages you leave any unnecessary valuables at home. We cannot be responsible for lost items. You will discuss any medications you have with our doctors or nursing staff soon after you arrive.
INTROAcclimation
Shadow & Assessments
Each incoming patient is assigned to “shadow” another experienced patient who can answer questions and show you the ropes. Still, please always feel free to ask Parkdale staff if you have questions or concerns.

Depending on the time of your arrival, you may next meet with a member of our clinical team for an intake assessment. If you arrive late in the day, your assessment may be completed the following day. The intake assessment is simply a discussion about your substance use history, medical history, mental health history, and more. It is a conversation that helps us create a treatment plan just for you.

You may also be taken to the group activity in progress. Plan to attend all available activities and meetings right on your first day. We understand the first few days at Parkdale Center can be especially difficult physically and mentally. However, it is imperative that you jump right into the program, even if you aren’t feeling well.
MEDICALMental & Physical Assesssments
Appointments
Within a day or two of your arrival, you will meet with our Practitioner for an “H & P,” or History and Physical. This examination helps us set a baseline for your present health and informs our medical and clinical staff how best to advise you on your health needs.

Soon after your arrival, you will meet with our Nurse Case Manager, who not only monitors your health, but can assist with other needs such as drug or alcohol testing, monitoring, and FMLA.
NOTESThings to Remember
Important Reminders
Cell phones and laptops are permitted at Parkdale Center but prohibited during group therapy or other programming. You are welcome to contact your loved ones during your free time. However, we encourage you to keep contact brief and positive. You have come to Parkdale Center to focus on your recovery, and outside situations can be disruptive.

Family visitation is not permitted during the first two weeks of treatment, and following that, will only be granted with the permission of the clinical staff. Please encourage your loved ones to take advantage of Parkdale Center’s Family Support offerings.

Family members can expect:
- A family assessment
- Weekly progress calls
- Parkdale Center’s free Family
- Weekly Family Support Zoom Meetings
- Regularly Scheduled In-Person, 2-Day Intensive Family Programs

We hope this overview removes some of the anxiety all patients feel on arriving at Parkdale Center.
We encourage you to also have a look at our What to Bring page to help you prepare. We look forward to seeing you!

Paying for Treatment