Arts and Culture Ukraine Project #31073

Children with Disabilities Hydrotherapy in Ukraine

by Dzherelo Children's Rehabilitation Centre

Project Report | Dec 3, 2018
Amazing start to a new school year!

By Dzherelo Centre's Development Team | Special Projects Team

Parent's Sideline View (from the corridor)

Thanks to Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Centre’s benefactors, staff, and parents for trusting in the Hydrotherapy process with their children! We have a lot of interest and use of this service initiated by the physical therapy department. Hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy offers benefits of health and wellbeing of children and youth with a range of disabilities and health conditions:

The warm water temperature has an effect on the individual neuro-muscular areas which results in decreased muscle tone and decreased spasticity.
Water buoyancy is used to assist movement of joints - which is either more difficult or painful on dry land.
Movement in the water and water pressure helps to reduce residual lung capacity for children and young people with chest problems. This enables more efficient lung function and reduces the risk of chest infections developing. (Reference: https://www.specialneedsguide.co.uk/news/benefits-of-hydrotherapy-for-children-with-complex-needs ).

After a good summer pool cleaning and start of the school year, Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Centre has continued to offer aquatic therapy services to it’s families. Parents are observing tangible changes in their children’s expectations of a fun and relaxing way to receive physical therapy. One parent reported their were two things difficult about the program: 1) getting her child out of the pool and 2) changing out of wet swim clothes! Dzherelo does have large private changing areas that are accessible for family use. By working one-on-one with the specialist, children receive individualized treatment plans, focused goals, and encouragement to play while strengthening.

Although we offer hydrotherapy throughout the day, mid-day seems to be most popular for the 30-45 minute sessions. Parents are engaging in sessions while they observe and cheerlead from poolside. Children often arrive anxiously awaiting their session and are visibly relaxed when it’s completed. The personalized attention seems to benefit self-esteem and respite from their problems.

Links:

Facebook Page: Check out Dzherelo's recent activities!

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Sep 6, 2018
You can do anything!

By CTaylor | Volunteer

Learning is Play in the Hydrotherapy Pool

A new school year with new challenges, a willingness to overcome, and bright solutions means hard work in the Hydrotherapy pool. We are accepting new children into the program and hope to exceed last year's number of participants. The pool water was drained and replenished, ph levels monitored, and pool deck made spotless through some summertime maintenance. The physical therapists are excited to work with new students and push them towards their treatment goals.

We could not hold this helpful program without the financial assistance from donors! We thank you for your interest and support in Dzherelo Children Rehabilitation Centre’s programming. We currently have 120 children who participate in therapeutic services daily. The staff offers a variety of physical, speech, and other therapies, but the Hydrotherapy Program seems to be the favorite of your youngest children. We hope that more of these children are ready to jump in the water to gain strength, flexibility, and learn independence skills.

Currently, Dzherelo Centre has two hydrotherapy specialists who take turns with the children. These children are using the pool to overcome the effects of multiple conditions, such as cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disorders. Hydrotherapy sessions occur once a week or more and are observed by a caregiver. Treatment plans developed in cooperation with parents. Children have continued to find the water soothing and helps them to forget their problems while developing coordination.

One mother, Irina,* watches sessions while her son, Andriyy* learns how to reach and throw, thus developing hand-eye coordination. He forgets any discomfort as he relishes the splashing and floating toys. As a 7-year-old, the therapy sessions provide him with a respite rarely found elsewhere under the guidance of his mother and therapist.

The Hydrotherapy Pool has been an integral part of childhood development at Dzherelo Centre. We are appreciative of donors’ continued care and financial support. We look forward to hearing any feedback.

*Names changed to respect confidentiality.

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Jul 31, 2018
Hydrotherapy Progress Report

By CTaylor | Volunteer

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