Why would a doctor refer an anorexic to inpatient rather than residential? i never actually went bc of covid (my parents are quite old), but i was never very sick. i was 59 and 110 pounds. im only asking bc theyd give the bed to someone who needs

Inpatient: Most of the time is for clearance as many patients are extremely dehydrated and malnourished with electrolyte disturbances that may result in life terminating events. Once the are cleared a referral to a residential program is made.

Uncertain: Don't have enough history to know. Were you admitted to a medical ward or to a psychiatric ward? If to a medical ward - then it may have been to clear you medically or to stabilize you before going to a residential eating disorder program. If it was a psychiatric admission - then I would assume that they didn't believe you were stable enough to go directly to residential care.