Humanizing Psychiatric Care
Providing a hand and a voice to patients and their families.
Time stretches weirdly in there. The days blur into one another, marked only by meal trays and medication rounds. Conversations are surface-level, heavily monitored. And even if you’re surrounded by people, there’s this invisible wall: You’re in here. They’re out there. Whether “they” are friends who stopped calling, or a world that doesn’t know what to do with your pain, it’s easy to feel forgotten.. The days are long and the nights are even longer, and visits are few and far between.
When silent cries are swallowed by the white walls, the white noise, the white coats, Lev Shalom brings a team of devoted and caring volunteers to help patients and their families in as many ways as we can.
Patient Support
- We bring food and snacks: Hospital food can be repetitive and unappetizing, especially for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. We deliver fresh Kosher meals and snacks to ensure patients receive the nourishment they need for recovery.
- We help make patients comfortable: Providing blankets, pillows, and other comfort items can help create a more welcoming and homely atmosphere. We keep them company and are there to shmooze, joke, or play a game of Monopoly.
- We provide a listening ear: We offer a non-judgmental space for patients to share their experiences, feelings, and concerns. This can be incredibly valuable for emotional processing and coping with the challenges of hospitalization.
Advocacy
- We speak to nurses and staff: As advocates for patients' rights and needs, we ensure they receive the highest quality of care possible. This may involve communicating concerns, advocating for specific treatments, or assisting with discharge planning.
- We organize group activities: Lev Shalom organizes group activities to provide patients with a sense of community and purpose.
- We provide information and resources: We provide patients and their families with information and resources related to their mental health condition and available support services.
