Connie loves spending her time painting at Compass Medford.

Day Habilitation Services

The Day Habilitation programs at Bridgewell offer a variety of services to individuals with mild to severe developmental disabilities, and who range in age from 22 years old to the elderly. Participants may have other disabilities such as visual and/or hearing impairments, physical limitations, medical and/or behavioral challenges.

The Day Habilitation program promotes community experience and addresses self care, nutrition, household skills, communication, and sensory, motor, behavioral and social development.  Services are provided both on-site as well as in the community to offer a variety of leaving environments. Ability levels and groupings range from mild to intensive special needs.

Individuals are assessed by our highly qualified Clinical Team, and support services are established based on each individual’s needs. Direct support staff are trained by the Clinical Team, and there is a staffing ratio of 1 to 4. Higher ratios are provided as needed for more medically and behaviorally involved participants, and Bridgewell’s nursing staff ensures quality medical care for all.

Bridgewell’s Day Habilitation programs are offered at five locations:  Lynn (3 locations), Medford and Melrose. Our goal is to assist people in meeting their maximum potential.

Program Components and Concepts

• Individuals supported work with staff on a 1:1 and group basis
• Individuals supported may combine Day Habilitation with Employment Support
• The Clinical Team meets on a weekly basis, and carefully reviews each member’s specific needs and progress, and makes recommendations accordingly
• Behavior support emphasizes positive reinforcement and consistency in approach
• Formalized group meetings are held to promote a healthy lifestyle and socialization, e.g., nutrition group, human rights group, “game time” group

• Program for individuals with greater independence, but who need a smaller group setting and a 1:3 staff ratio.
• Program track for individuals who are memory impaired or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
• Program for individuals who are dually diagnosed with developmental and psychiatric disabilities for whom traditional day services have not been successful.
• Program for individuals who are elderly or approaching the elder years.

What Makes Us Unique?

• Ability to combine day habilitation with employment for part of the day
• Extended Hours: 8:15 am to 3:15 pm (Lynn location only)
• Specialized programs to meet specific needs
• Full-time Recreation Therapist
• Monthly wheelchair clinic
• Monthly blood-pressure clinic
• Feeding Team consultation
• “Sensory Room” - providing relaxation, or stimulation, based on needs
• Special Olympics involvement - Motor Activities Training Program (MATP)
• Student affiliations with educational institutions and teaching hospitals