New Research on The TTAP Method from Finland

Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Master´s Degree in the Field of Social and Mental Health Care
Degree Programme
in Health Promotion
Care of Ageing and Long-term patientsHÄIVÄLÄ, ELINA & JASKARI, TUULIA:
”Tuntuu rinnassa ja saa päässä raksuttamaan” – The Impact of the
TTAP Method on the Social Capacity of Dementia Residents
Thesis 178 pages, appendices 5 pages.
November 2010
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ABSTRACT
This paper is based on a workplace development programme and is linked
to the Government Demke Project for the Aging. The purpose of the research was to obtain, by way of qualitative observation, information on the effect that the TTAP
(Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming) Method ® has on the social
capacity of dementia patients in a Sopimusvuori dementia care home. The
aim was to learn whether the TTAP method improves the dementia
residents' social capacity and what impact the TTAP method has on the
residents' social capacity from the perspectives of the individual and
the community.

The study was executed as action research in cooperation with a group
of experts. It originated from the writers' interest in the subject and
the desire to test the practical and replicable implications of the TTAP Method® by
creating groups specifically for dementia care. The research data was
collected and summarized qualitatively. The effects of the TTAP Method ® on social
capacity was assessed with data collection from evaluation forms describing the dementia
residents' social capacity as well as by observational recordings of the cognitive interactions of the TTAP groups.

It can be concluded from the results of this research study that the TTAP
Method ® improves a structure which naturally enhances the social capacity of dementia residents by supporting an individual's social abilities within a group setting and strengthening the social capacity within the Dementia home community. In addition, the TTAP groups improve dementia residents' general well-being. The TTAP Method ® provides the means to give an individual more time and space to present his or her personality. Sharing recollections and
feelings in a TTAP Method® group brings one considerable pleasure. In a community, the TTAP method deepens the feeling of communality by e.g. increasing mutual empathy inside the group.

In the future, the activities provided should be diversified according to the dementia
residents' personal needs.

Keywords: Social capacity, TTAP method, Dementia, Provided activities,
Dementia care home.

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