Just arrived in Finland- 8th published study proves TTAP effective

"We're every self-artist": Therapeutic thematic arts, utilizing a pilot program for nursing home care- rehabilitation
Author: Hanski, Laura
Kohola, Kaisu

Year: 2009
Organization: Seinäjoki Polytechnic

License: All rights reserved

Abstract: Dementia homes often lack the everyday activities that bring residents and stimulating days of rehabilitation. The aim was to exploit the thematic arts program (TTAP) pilot nursing home care days and observing its effects. TTAP method is based on the goal-oriented activities, guided by a certain theme. It draws on a variety of art and ways of functioning.

The experiment took place as part of the development DEMKE - the project is aimed at people with dementia quality of life and welfare development. The goal was the consolidation of creative activities into everyday life in the nursing home. Another purpose was to provide residents, families and staff of new sensations and experiences.

The experiment took place as cooperative development as development. Functional groups met five times. Was utilized in the development of observation, interviews and memos, which are directed activity. Furthermore, the group sessions we used in the benefit of photography. Data were analyzed using content analysis and by making material impact issues.

Theme chosen for the experiment of nature. Functional groups were used in music, painting, modeling, taste and smell senses as well as physical activity. Arts, utilizing the method was felt to be sensible and appropriate nursing home might be placed. The experiment indicated that create methods are well suited for people with dementia. TTAP method works herättelijänä memories and images. At the same time it activates the brain regions and to give practice cognitive functions. The aim was to instil into the action at the nursing home culture and to get the parties to participate and even control the ryhmätuokioita. Creativity can be found in each, it is required to use only their own enthusiasm and willingness.


Keywords: TTAP method, creative actions, senses, residents of dementia

Activities for the residents are often missing in Retirement homes. The goal of this was thesis Thurs try Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming at the nursing home cat-dated and how it affects Observ the residents. The TTAP method is based on goal-directed action, it is a creative program on.

Present This work is part of DEMKE-project, whose AIM is Develop quality of life for the Demented Elderly. Our priority was Thurs Establish creative activities on as a part of nursing home `s week. Our function was Thurs offer Experiences Thurs Elderly, staff and close relatives. Thesis actualized as co-operative Development. Activity groups ™ for five times. We Used observation, interviews, memos and photographing. Research materials analysis Considered TTAP method `s Effects.

Our theme was nature. When the group ™ for activity, while we listened to music, painted, made sculptures, vegetables tasted, smelled Scents and exercised. TTAP method was found out to Be sensible and it suited the nursing home well. Creative programfiles is a good fit for Demented people. The Program activates arouses memories and images. Is at the same time it activates brain Functions and Exercise gives Thurs cognitive skills.

One function was to get close relatives participate in creative activities on and get Them Even Thurs guide group moments. Everyone has creativity, you only need dependency enthu-siasm and willingness-to-use it. go to:
http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-200912036964

TTAP Method Featured at the Society on Arts in Healthcare, April 28- May 1, 2010

The TTAP Method was featured at the Washington State Alzheimer's Conference in Seattle on April 17, 2010.

Two different sessions were given to the participating conference attendees- The first session designed for Therapists and Health care employees illustrated how the structured 9 step process enhances socialization by naturally increasing opportunities for reminiscing about memories which are not forgotten in the first two stages of the disease process (which has been proven in 8 published studies). Participants learned about the CCEDERS ™ approach which stands for the 6 remaining strengths the person diagnosed with AD still has : Communication abilities, desires to Connect to others, wants to Express themselves, can Recall and Self express through the creative arts.

The second session was designed for family members and caregivers, there is a new publication the TTAP Method for Caregivers, which has sold out in the first publication. Caregivers learned how to utilize household items and other objects of significant interest to stimulate conversation, thus keeping the person mentally active and engaged which has been researched to be imperative for continued cognitive reserve. The featured movie clip illustrates how participants learn to share memories long forgotten through the TTAP Method.

TTAP Method receives METRO AWARD for innovative program of the year!

The TTAP Method, now proven in 7 studies to enhance cognitive and psychosocial wellbeing will be awarded the Innovative Program of the Year Award given each year by the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association.


History of the TTAP Method©

The TTAP Method was first introduced to the field of Art and Therapeutic Recreation, pre-publication, at the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Annual Conference in March of 2006 and the American Art Therapy Conference in November. In the same year the methodology was then highlighted at the annual American Society on Aging, as an innovative practice developed out of research in therapeutic art and recreation. The TTAP Method was officially published through Health Professions Press in January of 2007. The first international educational application of the TTAP Method was taught during the summers of 2006, and subsequently taught in 2007 and 2009 at Helsinki University of Applied Sciences. The Finnish Association for Alzheimer’s Care Journal published an article titled; The benefits of the TTAP-Method, 2006 (P.3-5).

The TTAP Method has been taught and researched at St. Thomas Aquinas College since 2008, and outcomes of students findings have been published in the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Journal and the American Therapeutic Recreation Research Institute as well as the American Journal of Art Therapy. The book today is on the publisher’s best seller list in the United States and has been translated into Finnish through the collaboration of HAMK University and Health Professions Press.

Overview of the TTAP Method©The TTAP Method is a innovative nine step therapeutic modality which is based in the belief that the use of themes, social, cultural or personal, enhances the ability to provide a “person centered approach” to art and therapeutic recreation and is fundamental to the care and treatment of all populations. The method is equally appropriate for any population and can be easily adapted to suit the unique needs of those various special populations such as who are suffering from other disabilities including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The modality’s methodology structures therapeutic recreation and art programming first through the utilization of conversation about a specific theme, and illustrates how to move through music and meditation, mental imagery, painting, sculpture, dance and movement, poetry and writing, food motivated sensory events and phototherapy, with each aspect of the method utilizing a thematic approach tailored to the special needs of the patient population.
Creating programming around themes naturally increases personal shared conversations which provide person-centered programming. The TTAP method instantly enables a “Flow” effect to flourish which naturally transports the individual within the group to a place of creativity, independence, while providing continued opportunities’ for self worth and self esteem. The TTAP Methods nine-step process, structures the therapist with multiple examples of how to develop programming which effortlessly moves from group conversation, to music, guided imagery, drawing, painting, sculpture poetry, movement, dance and finally photography. This approach is firmly based in neuroscience research on the brains complex structure and functioning over the last 10 years, life span developmental theory, and cell re-growth now commonly termed neuroplasticity.

Research supporting the TTAP Method© will be discussed this week.





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Washington State Alzheimer's Conference, Seattle, 2010

On April 15th and 16th, the State of Washington helds it annual conference on Alzheimer's Disease. The attendence was over 1,000 professionals which included Healthcare Administrators, Nurses, Caregivers, Therapists, Aides ,and Home Health Aides. Below is footage of the opening session in which photographs are spoken about ad being an intergral part of a person with AD memory, the TTAP Method was a Keynote presentation.

MEMORY IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUM, and the TTAP Method illustrates how to use photographs for enhanced conversations.

TTAP Method Training is changing the Culture of Care

Participants not only received 14 hours of CEU’s but received a 200 page manual which contains the 7 studies that have been published in international journals in Finland and the United States. All the studies which have been conducted independent of each other look at the following populations; Well elderly, those with mild Alzheimer’s Disease living at home, those with AD living and utilizing Community Day services, those individuals with AD in an Assisted Living Facility, those with AD in moderate to sever stages of AD living in a locked Skilled Nursing Unit.

All studies correlate increase cognitive abilities and deeper social interactions with the implementation of the TTAP Method™. Interesting to note 5 of the 7 studies specifically discuss an unforeseen accordance, an overall increase in staff levels of job satisfaction and intimacy that grew between staff who implemented the TTAP Method ™ in Finland and the United States.

Currently, there are 4 studies being conducted in 3 different universities throughout Finland and now 3 known studies which are utilizing the TTAP Taxomony: culture change of an entire unit in New York, New Jersey, and now Chicago.

The TTAP Method Certification Trainings are currently scheduled for the following dates: Dayton, Ohio, at the Veterans Hospital, Westchester, New York on September 24& 25 th in Andrus on Hudson.

Expanding Certification Trainings National and International

Over 80 Professionals in the area of healthcare including; Art Therapists, Music Therapists, Recreation Therapists, Psychologists, Dieticians, aides, secretaries, case workers and behavioral health workers on the Gero-psychiatric unit at Lindon Oaks Hospital came together for a two day 14 hour training program on the TTAP Method ™. Participants learned about the three foundations of theoretical approaches that the methodology; neurosciences, developmental theories and educational learning theories.


Participants such as the nurse above,learn that self expression (without being an artist) is crutial in providing overall quality of care, specifically those with Alzheimer's and other psycological problems.

TTAP Method(TM) Certification Course in Chicago, April 9 & 10th

Lindon Oaks at Edward Teaching Hospital
Chicago, Illinios

The Third National TTAP Method Certification Training Course
next week April 9 and 10th
at Edward Teaching Hospital.

All staff on the Gero-psychiatric Unit will be trained through the Certification Course which has been approved 14 hour CEU's for Nursing, Social Workers, Therapists, Recreation Therapists and Art Therapists. The Training participants will receive a 190 page manual, which describes the concepts of the TTAP Method and allows for individuals to read the most recent research. Currently there at 14 studies- 7 completed which all show significant cognitive increases in mild, moderate and advanced stages of Alzhiemer's Disease as well as in those well elderly.

The Method provides a structure for stimulating all regions of the brain through specific person centered activities, which has been proven to combat cognitive decline.