Here is what an average day looks like on CAIP, our child and adolescent psychiatric unit.

  • The schedule is written on a whiteboard just outside the communication station.
  • You will participate in group programming, classroom and school activities.
  • Regular activities generally include morning routines, personal hygiene, free time and recreational activities.
  • You will participate in meetings with the team and family meetings.
  • Quiet time is scheduled to work on therapeutic work and homework.
The treatment team:

The staff working with you and your family includes psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, child and youth workers, music therapist, a school teacher, leadership and others. As a teaching location we also have students including medical residents, nursing and others.

We really focus on including your family or caregivers in your care. They are often asked to come in to attend family meetings to support you through your admission, treatment and after you go home.

Your care and treatment:

Together we will work with you and your family or caregiver(s) to set some goals. Your care and treatment plan will includes some of the following activities:

  • Participating in groups to learn new skills and strategies; and
  • Completing written work and crisis safety planning; and
  • Attending school programs; and
  • Attending family meetings; and
  • Participating in other activities such as music therapy and recreation groups.
Going outside of the unit:

You may have time to go off the unit. Your doctor, your care team and you will make that decision to support returning to normal activities and to see how you might do when you leave the hospital. This is a time for you and your family/caregiver to try out new skills and strategies that you have learned. We will help you to set some reasonable goals for your time off the unit. You and your family will be asked to provide a written pass planning sheet. When you return to the unit, you and your family will be asked to provide a pass report which provides valuable information to your CAIP team.

Bedtime:

Bedtime is usually 9:30 p.m. “Lights out” is usually 60 minutes after bedtime. We may change your bedtime depending on your needs and treatment plan.

Snacks and meals:

Meals are eaten in the dining and activity room at scheduled times during the day except under special circumstances. You cannot share snacks, which includes chips, candy and other snacks.

Laundry:

You can ask your family/caregiver to take your clothing home and clean them for you, but we also have a washer and dryer on the unit. If you would like to wash your clothing, ask staff.

Telephone calls:

Phone calls may be made to family only – not friends, etc.

Please ask a staff member to help put the call through to the patient phone that is in the common area.

Visiting hours:
  • Monday to Friday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Weekends and Holidays 3:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Only parents and other approved family members may visit. Visitors are limited to people who live in the same house/residence as you and who are over the age of 18 years. In certain circumstances, staff may restrict visitors.