Brain Injury
Rehabilitation

Comprehensive Care for Brain Injuries

The Brain Injury Rehabilitation program at ChildServe offers a unique, kid and family-focused place for children and young adults to heal from brain injuries. Our comprehensive services focus on improving health and function lost during an injury. ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide medical care, intensive therapy, adaptive equipment and recreational activities. As children and young adults reach their health and independence goals, we support them by coordinating with schools and outpatient or community services for a smooth transition.

Why Choose ChildServe?

Board-Certified

ChildServe has one of the only two board-certified pediatric rehab doctors in Iowa, Fred Klingbeil, MD“Dr. Fred,” as many ChildServe kids call him provides expert rehabilitation and medical management of children with special healthcare needs. As the only board-certified pediatric rehabilitation doctor in Iowa, Dr. Fred’s years of experience and knowledge in pediatric care are a valuable resource., who treats children in the inpatient and outpatient programs.

CARF-Accredited

We hold CARFBeing CARF-accredited means that the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities recognizes ChildServe as an organization that meets rigorous guidelines for service and quality and conforms to nationally and internationally recognized standards.
accreditations in pediatrics, brain injury, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

Pediatric Experts

ChildServe’s pediatric experts, like our Certified Brain Injury Specialists and Rehab Nurses and Therapists, have specialized training and additional knowledge to treat children with brain injuries.

Specialized Technology

ChildServe offers cutting-edge facilities and specialized technology including our therapeutic pool, the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike FES stands for Functional Electrical Stimulation. The FES bike, which was made possible by funds from the ChildServe Foundation, stimulates muscles with electric currents to help build them up after a long period of little use. , and Dynavision Dynavision is a leading technology used in the assessment and rehabilitation of concussions. The program helps ChildServe specialists develop individual programs for each child or young adult served..

Staff walking with child pulling a colorful barrel

Who We Serve

ChildServe provides expert care to children and young adults (birth through 21 years old) who experienced the following medical conditions related to a brain injury:

Traumatic brain injury from accident or injury

Brain bleed, or bruise (Hematoma/Hemorrhage/Aneurysm)

Lack of oxygen to the brain

Stroke

Tumors

Infection (Encephalitis/Meningitis)

Severe Concussion

Our Approach

We Know Kids

Our entire organization is built around kids! ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide healthcare designed for the developmental needs of children and young adults. The pediatric rehab experts in our Brain Injury Rehabilitation program have specialized knowledge and skills to help kids and young adults with brain injuries heal. Our facilities and equipment are designed to make kids comfortable, safe, and inspired.

Expert Medical Care

ChildServe’s pediatric specialists help children and young adults manage complex medical needs including ventilator and tracheostomy care. They equip each child as needed with adaptive equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. We help kids increase mobility, balance, and strength; develop independence; manage pain; and emphasize nutrition to promote healing. Outside of our own medical team, we can also coordinate services with local professionals who specialize in areas including but not limited to urology, pulmonology, neurology, orthopedics, psychology, neuropsychology, and ophthalmology/optometry as needed.

Pediatric Rehab

Our Pediatric Rehab Nurses and Therapists create customized rehab plans for each child. Plans may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with therapeutic recreational activities, pet therapy, and music therapy. Our therapists have specialized training in the development and rehabilitation of children and young adults.

We Care about Families

As part of ChildServe’s continuum of care, our rehab specialists train parents regarding their child’s condition and how to provide care at home. They offer a home and vehicle assessment to ensure safety upon discharge. Children and young adults may transition to outpatient therapy programs to continue receiving support from ChildServe’s expert therapists. Our medical social workers offer care coordination for the transition to ChildServe’s programs and other community resources as needed

Our Team of Pediatric Specialists

ChildServe employs a variety of healthcare professionals, including but not limited to the following positions:

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician

Pediatrician

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Certified Wound Nurse

Certified Rehabilitation Nurse

Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Licensed Practical Nurse

Respiratory Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapist

Speech Language Pathologist

Music Therapist

Aquatic Therapist

Certified Pediatric Nurse

Dietitian

Medical Social Worker

Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

Orthotist

Assistive Technology Professional

Registered Nurse

View Our Annual Outcomes

ChildServe regularly gathers child and family satisfaction feedback, quality reports, and census data to monitor our services and continuously work to improve the care and services we provide.

Download Outcomes

Lila’s Story

Jeremiah nervously walked the grounds at Blank Children’s Hospital, deep in thought about what the future held. His 8-year-old daughter Lila had been hit by a drunk driver. Even though her injuries were serious, he refused to be bitter or hateful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are referrals made?

To make a referral or request information, call our Access Specialist at 515-331-8106, or email communications@childserve.org.

How are services authorized and funded?

Program costs are authorized and funded through commercial insurance and Iowa Medicaid. Specific fees will be discussed during the intake/admission process.

Where are services provided?

Brain Injury Rehabilitation services are offered as part of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at ChildServe within our Johnston location.

When are services provided?

Brain Injury Rehabilitation services are available inpatient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131

(515) 727-8750

If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please email communications@childserve.org. Be sure to include which location you are interested in so we can connect you with the right team member.

ChildServe Center - Johnston

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of more than 5,600 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.