Big Baby

We get them every once in a while. The big baby. These individuals use and abuse us, fail to follow discharge plans and return unannounced demanding service. The fact is, we offer limited services. Period.

When the county set us up eight years ago, we were contracted to see a person, get them referred to a full service provider, and limit our interactions with somebody to once, twice, or at most three times. That is it. We are viewed as a crisis center and charge the county accordingly. For a department of mental health facility, they charge the county much less. We are here for a reason. Get people in a real crisis not only emergency care, but to head these people in the proper direction for continued care. Some of our clients do not want to hear this one bit.

We had a person who continually abuses us show up again today who wouldn't take no for an answer. They had every excuse in the world why they didn't follow up on our discharge plan and didn't request to be seen again, but demanded it. So one by one, each member of our crisis staff had to talk to the person and decline them in our own special way. This was the first time I ever saw our Psychiatrist get into the mix! Do you think this helped? Of course not. The temporary supervisor had to be called in.

"Mommy, mommy, I want!" Was repeated by this grown child over and over again. This person had learned an irritating way to try and get their needs met. "Are we there yet?" "Are we there yet?" Sorry, but no referral no service.

One would think this isn't very therapuetic, but trust me, this is the best medicine. We can not provide the hands on care individuals like this really need. In missing out on medication for a day or two and getting into the proper care facility can set people up lifelong. We are a temporary band aid on the boo boo compared to them.

So quit your complaining, and your crying, and talking to every single person in earshot. We all see your game and know what you are doing. You are trying to manipulate a system set up by the county, and the county is not going to bend it's rules to provide inadequate long term care to appease you.