Admissions Guide - What to Expect

1. What happens when you get here?

We learn about you.

A one-on-one meeting with a trained assessment counselor determines the exact nature of the patient's physical and psychological status, and the appropriate treatment to address those issues.

Once this has been determined, we contact the person's insurance company to obtain authorization for admission. If there is no insurance, a financial counselor can discuss these matters and explore options with the patient and family.

Treatment plans for each person may involve a full-time residential stay at Livengrin's Bensalem campus, and/or some other plan for treatment (or combination of treatments) at one of our six outpatient centers.

Livengrin makes every effort to ensure that an individual seeking help will receive the medical care and financial guidance that is necessary. While infrequent, at times Livengrin may not be "right" for an individual, due to medical or other reasons. The admissions staff then helps with contacts to a local hospital, municipal social services, or other appropriate facility to ensure – to the best of our ability – that the patient receives care.

A history and physical is completed, sometimes with a psychiatric assessment as warranted. The patient participates in treatment planning and receives an orientation on Livengrin program expectations, schedules and residential campus life.

2. What to bring and prepare for

When coming to Livengrin, bring your health-insurance ID card, a photo ID, and the names and phone numbers of your physician and/or other doctors who have seen you, therapist, etc.

Aside from the financial card or information you may need for admission to Livengrin, do not bring other credit cards, large amounts of money or checkbook.

You should bring comfortable clothing and personal hygiene items, including shampoo and razors (nothing containing alcohol). While tobacco products are permitted, a Smoking Cessation Program in rehab encourages patients to really do a "clean sweep" of unhealthy behavior. The voluntary program is available at the beginning of, or any time during, a patient's stay. Nursing staff provide orientation, continuing education and motivation, and a nicotine patch regimen.

Patients may not have cell phones; there are specific regulations regarding use of house telephones for outside contact. Not permitted: radios, walkmans or other personal music items; food or candy; mouthwash (unless labeled alcohol-free); perfume or cologne; cameras or audio-visual equipment; computers, games or related handheld systems.

Patients may send and receive mail at any point during their treatment stay.

All patients are expected to do their own laundry. Washers and dryers are available at no charge.

Our nutritional professionals and dietary staff work diligently to ensure a healthy experience for patients. Because many individuals are on special diets, visitors may not bring food for patients.

These and other topics are discussed in detail with patients and loved ones as a person comes through the Admissions process.

3. Initial information for family members

Livengrin understands that chemical dependency is a disease that affects all members of a family. We place great emphasis on helping families to understand substance abuse and addiction, and to clarify loved ones' roles in a patient's recovery. Very few people can be successful in their recovery without the help of others.

It is difficult for anyone to see a member of the family go into a healthcare facility for a period of time. However, you will feel a relief that your loved one is being treated for a chemical dependency.

The Foundation protects the confidentiality of each patient. Federal law prohibits us from giving the family any information concerning any patient without specific, written permission. A patient should make a phone call after admission to let the family know about their situation.

We encourage you to be as involved as possible while your loved one is in treatment. Family participation in the recovery process benefits each person's well-being, and increases the chances for success in the ongoing recovery.

A range of services are offered for families, older children, couples and "significant others" at Livengrin, in group and private meetings. More details are provided during the admission, and you can read more.

4. Visiting

Please remember that it is a patient's responsibility to obtain pre-approval for visitors. Staff will inspect all packages, bags or envelopes.

There are specific visiting hours for the inpatient program at Livengrin. In order to visit, family members must attend our "Day of Enlightenment" that informs and prepares loved ones for their crucial role as part of the patient's recovery. Complete information about visiting and our family services will be provided during the admission process.

5. Transportation

Livengrin can provide transportation to its main campus from local bus, rail and air connections, medical or other treatment facilities, or other appropriate locations. We are conveniently located near I-95, US 1 and the Bensalem exit of the PA Turnpike.

Every Livengrin location has free parking.