Brain Injury
Brain Injury Recovery at Mary Free Bed Kids
At Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, we help kids and teens heal, grow and thrive after a brain injury. Our team combines advanced therapies, expert care and heartfelt support to help every child reach their fullest potential. Every recovery journey is unique—and so is our approach. We’re here to restore hope, rebuild confidence and bring back a whole lot of smiles.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after a brain injury, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
What Is a Brain Injury?
A brain injury happens when the brain is hurt or damaged. This can affect how a person moves, talks, walks, thinks and remembers things. There are two kinds of brain injuries:
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is hit or moved violently during a sudden impact like a car crash, fall or sports injury
- A non-traumatic brain injury occurs when something inside the body harms the brain, like an illness, infection or a tumor
How does the brain work?
Your brain is like a supercomputer that controls everything you do—from walking and talking to thinking and feeling.
- The left side of the brain controls logic, math, science and speech
- The right side of the brain manages creativity, imagination and emotional awareness
An injury to either side can impact movement, communication, memory or emotions—but with therapy and support, children can relearn and regain skills.
The Path to Recovery
Healing from a brain injury takes time, patience and teamwork. Our Pediatric Brain Injury Program follows an evidence-based structure with built-in tools to track your child’s progress.
The Rancho Los Amigos Scale
This tool helps our team track recovery through eight stages—from early responses to purposeful, independent activity. Each stage helps us customize therapies and goals for your child.
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Every day is designed to build strength, confidence and independence. Your child will participate in a variety of therapies, including:
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Recreational, music and art therapy
- Educational support
- Family involvement and emotional care
We make therapy fun and meaningful by using age-appropriate tools, adaptive technology and a child-centered approach.
Our Expert Team
Your child will be supported by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team, including:
- Physiatrists (Rehabilitation doctors)
- Nurses and care managers
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists
- Neuropsychologists and psychologists
- Recreational, art and music therapists
- Registered dietitians
- Respiratory therapists
- Certified teachers for school support
- Therapy dogs who motivate and comfort patients
Together, we create a personalized care plan focused on restoring strength, confidence and independence.
Life After Inpatient Care
When your child “graduates” from our inpatient program, recovery doesn’t stop there. We offer:
- Outpatient therapy
- Home and community health care
- Ongoing support for families and caregivers
Our goal is to make sure every child continues progressing—safely and successfully—at home, at school and in the community.
Safety and Prevention
To help prevent another injury:
- Always wear a helmet when biking, skating or playing contact sports
- Always wear your seat belt in the car
- Take your time during your recovery—move slowly and carefully
- Follow all safety guidelines from your care team
Children who have experienced a brain injury are more vulnerable to repeat injuries or unsafe situations—that’s why we also teach safety awareness and healthy decision-making.
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Family Involvement
Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:
- Support communication and memory
- Recognize emotional changes
- Create a calm, safe environment
- Celebrate small victories
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
- National expertise in pediatric rehabilitation
- Comprehensive, team-based care under one roof
- Kid-friendly environments designed for comfort and confidence
- Therapy that feels like play
- Lifelong support for families navigating recovery
Meet Your Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team
Your dedicated team includes specialists from various disciplines, all experts in brain injury rehabilitation. They work together to maximize your recovery and independence.
Your child and your family or caregivers are the most important members of the team. You’re encouraged to have an active role in your treatment plan and help set goals for your rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a brain injury in children?
Most brain injuries are caused by falls, sports collisions, car accidents or medical conditions such as infection, stroke or seizure.
How long does recovery take?
Every child heals at a different pace. Some children recover within weeks, while other children take months or longer. Our team monitors progress closely and adjusts therapy plans as needed.
Will my child go back to school?
Yes. Our on-site teachers and school liaisons help children transition smoothly back to the classroom, ensuring they have the right accommodations and support.
What can parents do to help?
Do your best to stay involved, stay patient and communicate with your care team. Consistent routines, encouragement and safety awareness are key to healing.
Can my child play sports again?
In many cases, yes—with time and medical clearance. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to return to physical activity.
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Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
Virginia
