Patient and Family Information

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Admission Information

Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day. Physicians, psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, family members or friends may make referrals. The Senior Behavioral Health Unit’s Medical Director makes the decision regarding admission.

Every patient is required to go through a medical clearance prior to admission because it is important to make sure that there are no medical reasons that may be contributing to symptoms. Medical clearance can be done close to home. If you are farther than 50 miles from Watertown Regional Medical Center, please go to your local Emergency Room. Once you are medically cleared, they will be able to call our unit for a direct transfer.

Visiting Guidelines

Visiting Hours

We encourage families to visit you while you are at the Senior Behavioral Health Unit. A maximum of 2 visitors 18 years of age and older are allowed at one time.   Families may make a one hour appointment by calling the nurse at 920-262-4460. Visitors are not allowed before 9am and after 5pm. No visitors will be allowed during meal times. Patients do have the right to refuse visits if they are too upsetting. No family pets are allowed. 

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Admissions

Voluntary Admission

For voluntary admission, patient must be oriented, willing and able to participate in psychiatric treatment and needs to sign our Consent for Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment form prior to admission.

What if my loved one has an Activated Health Care Power of Attorney?

In the state of Wisconsin, an Activated Health Care Power of Attorney cannot sign the principal in for Mental Health Treatment. This does not mean the principal cannot receive mental health treatment. Please call us and we can talk through it. (920) 390-7303.

Limitations on mental health treatment. My health care agent may not admit or commit me on an inpatient basis to an institution for mental diseases, an intermediate care facility for the persons with intellectual disability, a state treatment facility, or a treatment facility. My health care agent may not consent to experimental mental health research or psychosurgery, electroconvulsive treatment or drastic mental health treatment procedures for me.

Involuntary Admission

An individual is under an 72- Hour Emergency Detention (Ch. 51.15) through law enforcement or a county.

Patient Belongings

We encourage individuals to bring only 3 sets of clothing and one pair of pajamas. The unit staff does laundry daily for our patients. If you feel comfortable labeling your clothing, you are encouraged to do so.

Prohibited Items include:

• Belts
• Strings in pants or sweatshirts
• Shoes with shoelaces

Personal Care Items:

• We provide all personal care items. If you prefer certain brands, you are welcome to bring your own.