From: Developing family rooms in mental health inpatient units: an exploratory descriptive study
Location of rooms: | – label the room ‘Family Room’ |
– close to nursing station | |
– high visibility of room within unit | |
– ease of access to unit entry | |
– consider level of passing traffic and noise | |
Aesthetics & content: | – use bright colours on walls |
– include appropriate toys/activities for varying age ranges | |
– include information and brochures on parenting & support services | |
– decide whether to include electronic equipment/games | |
– use comfortable & child-friendly furniture | |
Policy and guidelines for use of rooms: | Develop written policy for use of room, including role/s and processes for: |
– scope of room purpose/s and usage | |
– staff participation & role in child & family visits | |
– provision of psycho-education & support to parent, children & family | |
– assessment of parent wellbeing prior to visits | |
– supervised versus unsupervised family visits | |
– process for escorting families to and from room | |
– room entry & exit points (health & safety requirements) | |
– cleaning & maintenance of toys and contents | |
– nominate a clinical leader or champion for Family room |