there is a huge need for improved psychiatric care, both long & short term. long term care suffered when many of the facilities were shuttered decades ago. it was thought folks would reintegrate into the community and all would be well....that rarely happened. homelessness , abuse deaths, those occurred. lack of care occurred. so many fell thru the cracks which were really canyons.

now long terms care is better in some small instances but it still needs work. I visit nursing homes & state care facilities and while there is good care given, the facility space is tight. more is needed. talk is there will be a new facility built. care is good in the one state one I visit..staff care about the residents but it is still a state home. few residents have family that visit (that is no one's fault , certainly not the state's). there are activities, trips etc and much is done to make it homey.

as for forced hospitalization, my feelings are if it is needed then there must be a reason. you have to meet criteria to get to that point..it isn't just a random thing. you are unwell or in danger. it isn't supposed to be a spa stay but a let's keep you safe stay and help you get well. could facilities be nicer? sure always, but again lets not lose track of purpose..some folks are violent, some at risk so safety is an issue as well. and $$$...health care doesn't get as much funding as it did and probably never will so some amenities have gone by the wayside...staff numbers decreased.