Welcome to Alwood!  When a client is first admitted to treatment, parents often have a number of questions about the program. This package provides answers to the questions most commonly asked.

 

Visits (Family)

Visiting hours are Friday or Saturday evenings between 7 pm - 10 pm and Saturday or Sunday afternoon between 3 pm - 5:30 pm. Parents are not expected to visit every weekend. We understand parents live in a variety of locations around the province and it may be difficult to visit regularly, if at all. Parents must contact Alwood staff to schedule a visit and receive prior approval for any visitors. In most cases visitors are restricted to immediate family only. Parents are requested to confirm visiting arrangements by the Thursday prior to the weekend they would like to visit.  Every effort will be made to accommodate your choice of visiting time, however there are restrictions on the number of families visiting at any one time.  Parents must check in with staff upon arrival and again before departure. Families are not allowed to provide any food, snacks or drinks to clients.  Any donations to Alwood, including food, have to be made after the client has left the program.  Any goods brought for a client; need to be given to staff before given to the client. Visits take place on Alwood property away from the group. Attempts will be made to provide a private room to visit. It is suggested that you spend time with your child away from the group due to the sensitive nature of our clientele at Alwood, as well as to protect confidentiality issues. Visits may be scheduled starting the second weekend. Clients are NOT allowed to use cell phones to make any phone calls, or use laptop computers. Outgoing calls are to be made through the staff office. Parents and clients are not allowed to take pictures of other clients. Visits are not allowed to take place in vehicles. The staff thanks you in advance for cooperating with these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. You will be asked to sign the visiting guidelines sheet on your first visit.

 

Donations

            Any donations, either financial, food or other items, would gladly be accepted post treatment from families able to support Alwood.   For a variety of reasons we are not able to accept donations of any kind while your child is still in treatment. 

 

Phone Calls (Family)

Clients can have one phone call per day with the exception of Wednesdays. There are no incoming or outgoing phone calls on Wednesdays due to time constraints as a result of the recreation outing.  If it is a long distance call it must be collect or through the use of a phone card. Phone calls are to be kept to 10 minute duration, to allow all clients a chance to use the phone.  Phone calls are placed between the hours of 4:30 - 6 pm, so as not to remove the client from the days programming.  If for any reason (financial, work hours, etc.), you need your child to call at another time, please indicate this to staff and we will try to arrange an alternative time. Clients have an approved phone call/visit list.  For the first two weeks it is restricted to parents only.  After this time other relatives can be added provided they are a positive influence and supportive of the client.

 

 

Mail

Clients can receive mail and approved phone calls, from the day of admission. Staff do not read client mail. Clients must open all mail/parcels in staff presence in order to ensure all clients safety. Only parents can email clients at alwood@alwood.ca , however, clients do not have access to the internet. Clients may only contact friends, girlfriend/boyfriend, by mail.

 

Expenses    

Alwood is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.  Our funding does not cover residents personal needs/expenses, such as toiletry items, prescriptions, clothing,  glasses, dental work, transportation expenses home, etc.  We do provide sheets, blankets, pillows, bedspreads etc.

 

Money

Client accounts are kept in a secure area in the office.  It is the Guardians responsibility to communicate to staff any limits on spending. An average weekly budget is $10.00. Staff complete resident shopping once a week. At the time of admission clients must have enough money in their file to cover their one way fare home.  They are not allowed to use this for spending money.

 

Medical/Dental Care

At the time of admission a client must have their Health Card. Any drug plan insurance information should be given to staff. Families are responsible for the cost of prescriptions. If a client requires any medical care while in treatment they will be taken to a health centre in Carleton Place. If need be they will be taken into the emergency room at the Carleton Place Hospital. Dental visits are set up for emergency dental care only.

 

Personal Belongings

All personal belongings are checked thoroughly at the time of admission.  Certain clothing, books or other items may not be deemed suitable while in treatment.  They will be stored in a locker assigned to the client. Any food or drink brought in by family or purchased by the resident is pooled and shared among the whole group. Clients can have a discman, mp3 or small portable stereo. They are not allowed to have televisions, large stereos, phones, pagers, computers, etc. Clients cannot wear makeup, perfume, aftershave or cologne while at Alwood.  Appropriate jewellery is allowed.

 

 

Rooms

Clients are assigned to a bedroom which they share with one other client. The male and female bedrooms are on opposite sides of the facility. Clients are expected to keep their rooms tidy and beds neat.  They are only allowed to spend time in their room during designated times.  

 

 

 

Progress Review

The first month is a major adjustment period for clients.  Clients receive a formal feedback session at three weeks.  The three week feedback session involves staff and peer feedback and the client is assigned a written assignment.  Areas that are reviewed include client commitment to recovery, involvement and interaction in the program and group, and effort to make personal lifestyle changes.

 

Monthly Goals

In the first week an initial treatment plan is reviewed with the client.  At the end of each month, clients will develop monthly goals and action plans with staff support.  These goals are reviewed each month.

 

Weekly Structure

A typical day at Alwood involves a strict structure from wake up until lights out.  Clients are expected to cooperate with rules, routines and structure. All components of the Alwood program are mandatory, no groups are optional unless a client is feeling ill.  Clients rotate weekly on meal preparation and chores. Throughout the week they are involved in Group therapy, Individual counselling, Anger management, Structured Relapse prevention, Lifeskills, Goal Setting, Discussion Groups, Early Recovery Workshops, Sports and recreation, Stress Management, Nutritional Awareness, and A.A./N.A. Meetings. The program=s therapeutic approach is based on a cognitive- behavioural methodology.  Total abstinence is a mandatory requirement during the residential treatment program. Clients are introduced to the 12 Step Philosophy.  Clients do not attend school or work during their 4 month treatment program.

 

Feedback

Staff are able to provide feedback for Parents/guardians regarding how a client is progressing in the program. If a client is having significant or persistent problems, staff will notify parents/guardians. Personal issues clients share in group therapy or individual counselling is considered confidential information.

 

Home Visits

Clients are supervised twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Clients do not leave the premises unescorted. After three months of treatment, clients are allowed to travel home for a weekend visit. A client is provided with a weekend package detailing expectations and area meetings. Families need to provide enough money to cover the cost of weekend travel expenses for the client. The weekend visit allows for an opportunity to finalize discharge plans.

 

Smoking

Alwood is a 100% smoke free environment.  Smoking is not permitted either inside or outside the building.

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving

Alwood is a four month voluntary program.  At the end of four months a client will have a graduation. Close family are invited to attend and the client will be released into their care afterwards. If a client wishes to leave treatment early, staff and residents will certainly encourage them to stay, however the choice is theirs. If parents receive a phone call from their child expressing a desire to leave the program, it would be helpful to notify Alwood staff. The staff of Alwood encourages parents to stay firm and not allow the child re-entry into the home until treatment is completed. If it becomes apparent to Alwood staff that a client is insistent on leaving treatment early, we will attempt to notify the parents/guardians.