As specialists in brain injury rehabilitation, we know that each injury is unique, with specific needs, capabilities and potential. Therefore, each person served has a treatment plan that is created uniquely for them. The entire rehabilitation team at On With Life works together with the person served and family to develop a treatment plan that meets the goals of those involved. Goals and outcomes are measured on a regular basis and on average, 75% of individual long-term goals are met and 60% of persons served return home at discharge.
As specialists in neuro rehabilitation, we know that each injury is unique, with specific needs, capabilities and potential. Therefore, each person served has a treatment plan that is created uniquely for them. Our extensive rehabilitation experience and our expertise in the treatment of individuals with brain injury, stroke, tumor or other neurological condition offer individuals the optimal opportunity to achieve their goals. The transdisciplinary team at On With Life works together with the person served and family to develop a treatment plan that meets the goals of those involved. Goals and outcomes are measured on a regular basis and on average, 75% of individual long-term goals are met and 80% of persons served return home at discharge.
Our therapy team works together to provide a trans-disciplinary approach to the rehabilitation journey. Physical therapists use the latest technology and equipment available to help regain strength, endurance and balance. Occupational therapists enhance life skills and evaluate/address visual skills, movement, and cognition. Speech language pathologists enhance cognitive abilities, executive functioning, receptive and expressive language skills, and motor control and implement alternative means of communication when deficits exist. Therapeutic recreation specialists understand the interests and talents of each individual and focus on community reintegration activities to make the rehabilitation experience meaningful, fun and functional. Our music therapist promotes cognitive, social, emotional and physical well-being along with vocalization, self-expression, rhythmic movements, orientation, relaxation and enhances overall self-esteem.
Our rehabilitation nursing team plays a vital role in the rehabilitation experience as its role is to help individuals remain medically stable so they can fully participate and benefit from intensive therapy and clinical intervention. Our nursing team provides a range of specialized services to meet the complex medical and emotional needs of individuals with brain injury. Education is also an important role of the nursing staff who work with persons served and their families to teach prevention and medical management and provide training in preparation for discharge.
Our neuropsychologists and clinical counselors assess strengths and needs in the areas of cognition, behavior management, mental health, substance abuse and sexuality, providing information and guidance for rehabilitation plans. They also counsel persons served and their families and work closely with our social workers and consulting psychiatrist to minimize emotional barriers.
Carla Dippold RN, BS is our Director of Case Management at our Ankeny location. Carla joined On With Life in 2006. She has over 35 years of rehabilitation nursing and case management experience. Carla has had experience with both pediatric and adult populations across the healthcare continuum, including the acute hospital setting, post-acute rehabilitation, outpatient,…
Dr. Hilgerson is an internal medicine physician and serves as On With Life’s general medical director. His role is to ensure our persons served stay healthy enough to participate in the high intensity and high frequency therapy at On With Life. He completed graduated with honors from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and…
Dr. Demarest is an Iowa- and Nebraska-licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of extensive experience in the rehabilitation and neuropsychology field. He completed his doctoral degree from West Virginia University and completed a specialty post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation at the University of Missouri Medical School and Rusk Rehabilitation Center.
Dr. Troll serves as On With Life’s rehabilitation medical director, and his goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life for our persons served. He received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Medical College of Ohio. He is board certified by the American…