Therapeutic Services

The diversity of physical handicaps experienced by the individuals supported by Brantwood necessitates access to equipment that builds strength, enhances flexibility, increases joint mobility and assists in monitoring and improving physical skills.  Appropriate and continued use of this equipment directly contributes to maintaining the individuals' health and wellness and increases their ability to participate in activities.


Hydrotherapy Pool

Brantwood offers professional, therapeutic and vocational/recreational resources to the Brantford community and neighboring counties. Our hydrotherapy pool, Sensory Stimulation Area and Snoezelen Room are used by various families and groups in the community.

Located at the main facility of Brantwood on 25 Bell Lane, the hydrotherapy pool is open to community individuals or groups. The pool is used for rehabilitation and habilitation programs such as weight bearing, resistance exercises, passive range of motion, supported sitting or standing. The pool also provides an opportunity for recreational activities such as splashing, free floating and just relaxing. It is extremely popular with the vast majority of individuals!


Sensory Stimulation

The majority of people supported through Brantwood are non-ambulatory, and therefore require seating systems. For the people who do not have the ability to move, their seating systems allow them only one position; therefore it is important that they have many alternative positions. Alternative positions, such as side lying, supported standing or sitting allow different muscle groups to be used, depending on the position. Alternative positioning is also essential for the prevention of skin breakdown. This alternative positioning is achieved through the use of equipment such as standing frames, ball baths, positioning aids, waterbeds, floor exercise mats, a trampoline, walkers or bikes.

Equipment is also used to enhance and encourage socialization and interaction. An individual in a standing frame can be situated at eye level with others and can participate in tasks while in a supported standing, upright position.

Mobility and physical management needs are of primary concern for the majority of the residents at Brantwood; therefore, it is imperative that daily utilization of appropriate equipment is maintained. Most of this equipment is large and requires adequate work space to make it safe and convenient for clients and staff. The space requirements are quite high, as there is a need to accommodate the large positioning equipment, the mechanical lifts required to transfer the residents from their wheelchairs to the equipment, as well as the two staff required to complete the transfer. In order to safely, efficiently and effectively utilize the equipment, it is necessary that this occur where it can be used appropriately with numerous individuals.

Few of us could understand the challenges experienced by those who do not mobilize independently. However, at Brantwood, we hope to give alternatives to overcome, even briefly, the challenges faced by these individuals.

Snoezelen Room

The generosity of a Trillium Foundation grant allowed Brantwood to fully equip a Snoezelen Room. This specially designed room offers sensory stimulation, a sense of control, choice, accomplishment and "just plain fun" for those who have severe disabilities.