Physical Care and Medical Treatment Physical Therapy An individual PT program is formulated and goals are established for everyone who needs it. All our staff are educated in physical therapy techniques and use of special equipment. Initial and ongoing evaluations conducted during our orthopedic clinics determine the need, if any, for orthopedic surgery or orthotic devices.

Hydrotherapy Kept at a water-temperature of 105 degrees, the butterfly-shaped tank has a seat that can be adjusted to a myriad different angles to accommodate whatever physical disabilities an individual has. The water is pumped though jets that can focus on only one area of the body, or provide constant high-speech circulation. Not only does this therapy maintain and improve flexibility; it gives relief from muscle spasms and pain, and provides sensory stimulation that increases awareness of body parts. Our population also experience a variety of benefits from our therapeutic pool. The water is kept at 98 - 102 degrees, and the air temperature in the room is kept just about the same. The pool has a movable floor, allowing greater flexibility in programming and easy entry and exit. The reduction of gravity's effect enables people, when in the pool, to move in ways in which otherwise they cannot: if they cannot walk on land owing to poor strength or joint pain, they might be able to walk independently when in the water, or they might acquire real movement, instead of spasticity. Here, in the pool's supportive warmth, weak muscles are strengthened, blood circulation improved, paralyzed muscles re-educated. Balance, co-ordination, and posture are enhanced - and socialization, independence, and self-esteem are fostered.

Nursing Care We have complete nursing facilities, with 24 hour coverage. Every nurse is assigned a primary case load, so that each person's physical needs, including medications, are being constantly and consistently monitored. Each week we hold a medical clinic during which annual physicals and medical non-emergencies are dealt with by the Medical Director. We also have a consulting contract with Dr. Leslie Rubin, Medical Director, The Marcus Institute at Emory University, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School Medicine. Dr. Rubin comes to Berkshire Meadows quarterly to work with our primary physicians on more complicated issues, and serves as our liaison with Children's Hospital in Boston. We also have consulting relationships with the Feeding Team, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics and others from the Children's Hospital in Boston. Our medical consultants all specialize in dealing with people with severe developmental disabilities.

Psychological and Psychiatric Care We have on staff at Berkshire Meadows one licensed social worker, a consulting psychiatrist, one consulting psychologist who specializes in behavioral training, and a certified school psychologist. Through them we are able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat the people in our program.