Our Model
The Krempels Brain Injury Center model is uniquely designed for the long-term, post-injury needs of acquired brain injury survivors. We provide ongoing therapeutic programming, designed by clinically-licensed staff who understand the unique needs of acquired brain injury survivors.
Krempels is more than a day program. Our classes and groups are offered within a vibrant community setting, available both in-person and online, with ample opportunity for peer support and building social connections. Members dictate the frequency and pace of their participation, and have the ability to choose groups based on their own goals.
To offer the best education opportunities, and personal development outcomes for brain injury survivors, all of our groups are evidence based and developed around the following domains:
Krempels members always have the opportunity to provide on-going input into program and group development. Additionally, Krempels staff can work one-on-one with members on specific needs such as:
Our Outcomes
Our model delivers notable outcomes. Krempels staff and members have partnered with researchers over the years on multiple projects designed to evaluate the effectiveness of our program and model as well as examine various aspects of living with acquired brain injury. Our largest efforts to date include a longitudinal outcomes study evaluating the impact of Krempels’ programming on members’ perceptions of social connectedness, stress, and quality of life. Our members’ participation in research is completely voluntary, and all externally-driven research involving Krempels members is evaluated by an institutional review board.
Krempels Research
In partnership with the University of New Hampshire, Krempels engaged in outcomes research to examine the impact of its program on its members who are survivors of acquired brain injury. These studies show that participation at Krempels has a significant positive impact on participants.
The “Krempels Effect”
Krempels members who maintained membership for six months reported:
- Quality-of-life perceptions similar to typical, non-injured individuals, and significantly higher than other traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors (Figure 1)
- Stress perception levels similar to typical, non-injured individuals, and significantly lower than other acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors (Figure 2)
- Higher levels of social connectedness, as evidenced by responses on the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA), compared to studies citing high rates of isolation, loneliness, and low social capital
Figure 1 Comparison of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref) Scores and Other Research
Figure 2 Perceived Stress Scale (PSS): Comparison of Krempels Members and Other Research
Program Attributes
In a qualitative study, members identified attributes of Krempels programming that contribute to their improved quality-of-life. These attributes fall into four categories: positive self-acceptance, possibility, participation, and purpose.
1. Positive Self-Acceptance
Recognition of new, post-brain
injury self and a focus on
perceived strengths.
"What [Krempels staff] kept telling me finally clicked; that accepting is recognizing your reality, not giving up.”
"I am not defined by my injury."
"Everyone accepts everyone for who they are."
2. Possibility
“Passions don’t have to die just because you have a brain injury. It is so rewarding to be able to learn something new that you couldn’t do before your injury.”
“I still have the ability to think and solve problems.”
3. Participation
Opportunities for members to reintegrate into the social community.
“[Krempels gives me] a reason to get off of my couch and away from the TV set."
“[Krempels provides] a sense of belonging with other people where you can be yourself.”
“I have a full life now outside this community.”
4. Purpose
Opportunities to contribute to and help others within the community.
“It is inspiring to know that students seek our knowledge and learn about our experiences… Same as we learned about ourselves in this process, so do they learn from us too.”
Citations
White, Barbara P.; Brinkman, A.; Kresge, B. P.; and Couture, L. (2018). Quality of Life, Stress Perception, and Quality of Social Networks in Persons Living with Brain Injury: An Exploration of the Effectiveness of a Community-Based Program. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. 6 (4), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1428
White, B.P. (listed as Prudhomme, BP), Wilcox, J., Kresge, B. P., & Couture, L. (2016). Comparing quality of life, stress perception and quality of social networks in a community-based brain injury program. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 20 (1), 120-132. http://www.psychosocial.com/IJPR_20/Comparing_Quality_of_life_White.html
White, B.P. Exploring participant perceptions of a community-based program for people with brain injury. Accepted for publication 3/9/20, OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health.