Resources for Family and Friends
"Families cannot control the patient's illness: I did not cause it. I cannot control it. I cannot cure it. All I can do is learn to cope."
There are the words of Dr. David Karp in The Burden of Sympathy: How Families Cope with Mental Illness. We understand the stress of admitting your loved one to the hospital, and want to do all we can to support you.
For patients ages 18-30, a Family Navigator through the Lunder Family Alliance will be assigned to their care-giver/family upon admission to the hospital and for 30 days after discharge. For patients outside the 18-30 ages, the attending physician or patient’s social worker will refer the families to the Family Navigator as needed. The navigator is an excellent resource and will coach the family on communication skills, mental illness, and coping techniques. For more information, visit the Lunder Family Alliance page or contact the Family Navigator at 207-661-6131.
Spring Harbor Hospital is pleased to provide families with this information which is also available in hard copy at the hospital. (Please ask a nurse or social worker for a copy.) The packet was designed by our Linking Families committee - a collaboration between Spring Harbor staff and family members of former patients. We hope this information is helpful and welcome your feedback.
Family Information Packet for Adult Patients
- Welcome letter and packet
- Information for Families (visiting hours, etc.)
- Treatment handout (Information about groups, medications, length of stay, etc.)
- Important Ways to Take Care of Yourself
- The Lunder Family Alliance's Guide to Support
- Spring Harbor Hospital Visitor's Guide
- Involuntary Hospitalization FAQ
- Hospital Guide from NAMI Maine
- NAMI Maine support pamphlets
- NAMI Family-to-Family pamphlet
- Family Support Navigator Program from Family Hope
Family Information Packet for Child and Adolescent Patients
- Welcome letter and packet
- Parent/Guardian Welcome Packet Checklist
- Disability Rights Maine notification letter
- Disability Rights Maine patient rights pamphlet
- The Lunder Family Alliance's Guide to Support
- Spring Harbor Hospital Visitor's Guide
- Involuntary Hospitalization FAQ
- Mental health resources phone pyramid
- NAMI Maine support pamphlets
- NAMI Family-to-Family pamphlet
For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors you will be asked to sign in at the front desk. The receptionist will ask for your name and the patient you wish to visit. Only approved visitors will be allowed onto the units.
Once approved, you will be given a numbered visitor badge. Please clip this badge above your waist where it is easily seen and return to the receptionist when you leave. Before leaving the lobby you will be asked to secure all personal belongings (e.g. purse, coat, cell phone, personal keys, smoking materials, weapons, pocket knives and multi-tools, etc.) in the secure lockers in the lobby. Please take your locker key with you.
You will be greeted upon your arrival to the unit.
Family Hope
Family Hope is an online resource for those who are supporting a loved one or friend who is facing the challenge of mental illness. Click here to visit their site.
NAMI Maine
The Maine Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides support services for family members and consumers.
National Alliance on Mental Illness - Maine Chapter
NAMI Family-to-Family Program
NAMI Maine Support Groups
Local Accommodations
Spring Harbor Hospital is situated near many major hotels, motels, and other overnight accommodations. Visit Greater Portland's Convention & Visitors Bureau for a listing of local accommodations. Please contact each establishment directly for reservation, rates, and availability information.
Transportation
The Greater Portland area is serviced by the following transportation options:
Young Adult Support
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