Bridgton Hospital hosts “Water Week” for young patients

Bridgton Hospital's pediatric therapists made a big splash with their patients this month. Every August, the team hosts "Water Week." Instead of conducting therapy appointments inside the hospital, they take their young patients outside for some water fun.

"The kids look forward to this week and have an absolute blast, and so do our therapists," said Jessaka Nichols, clinical manager of Therapy Services.

This year, from Aug. 5- 9, there were eight therapy stations where patients gladly took on water-themed challenges, including playing Twister under a sprinkler and practicing hand-eye coordination with a water blaster.

"We put a ton of prep work into identifying the needs of the patients and what activities they can choose that fit their needs," said Kylee Berry, a therapist at Bridgton Hospital. "But it's so worth it when you see the excitement on their faces when they come outside and see what their session looks like!"

While Bridgton's physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists all took part, Water Week is a shared partnership.

"This is a collaboration with therapy, plant operations, security and the families to make this all happen each year. And while it does generate additional effort for the therapists, they have assured me the positive effects on the kids are well worth it," Nichols said.