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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Alli's Internship Day 30

Today I did the TTAP Method with two geriatric residents. We did photo therapy and we painted photo frames and decorated them. During the meditation one of the residents saw her whole family at a family reunion some people she said she hasn't seen in so long she said, since she was a little girl. The other lady saw a picture of her and her husband from there wedding day. We talked about the guests and the wedding and what her favorite parts of the night were. It was very interesting for me to see a glimpse into their lives and their families. They were very informative about the people they saw and how they felt during what they saw during the meditation. Also I was on 4th floor this morning where the CTRS and I did a Wii & Basketball group. After lunch we went down to the 3rd floor and did a young adult sensory group and than did a reminiscing group about old celebrity couples with the older population.

Alli's Internship Day 28

So today starts my sixth week interning, and I can't believe how fast it has gone I am almost half way done! Today I worked 8-1 because i have to go to school. I was on the 2nd floor for the time i was there, with the young adults. The high school came to the day room this morning for music class and this gave the opportunity for the residents who have graduated from school to participate and engage with the students and teacher for the educational experience. Since this month is black history month they did a lesson on all the important African Americans who made changes in our world and that impacted the way the world is today. They sung songs that were in that time period or that were sung during a specific event that happened. It was very informative and educational. They seemed to really like it. They got everyone involved and even I learned things I didn't know. Then by the time the school left it was about time for lunch but we put music on for them while we set up for lunch. They love music and respond so positively to it. They also like the recent hits that we like so it just makes it that much more fun because everyone winds up dancing or sining and having a good time. Then as soon as lunch was ready we left the floor and when to the office did paperwork and attendance, and we planned for the week for a while. Today was a pretty relaxed day, we will wait and see what tomorrow brings!

Alli's Internship Day 24

Today I went in late due to the weather. I arrived shortly before lunch, after lunch I was on second floor with the CTRS and we set up a valentine's sensory group. We used pink and red lights, a red table with pink and red tactile and visual things. Since the weather was bad this morning the kids did not have school so there were more than we usually have for a group which was nice because the two of us got to spilt it and it worked out really well. We put on soothing music and gave them a massage with the different tactile things. After that I got all the supplies I needed to do the TTAP Method and this time we did a themed event and since valentine's day is coming up we made cards with different things such as felt and string. In the guided imagery, there was someone waiting for them in the garden with red roses and a smile on their face. One lady who I was working with saw her husband who she has been with for 40 years. He is coming to visit her two Monday's from now and she is very excited. The other lady I was working with saw her very first boyfriend and his name was Ray. She said that she hasn't seen him in ages and they were childhood friends who dated a few times. We then decorated the cards which came out quite nicely. They each personalized the cards to someone that was important and close to their hearts to send them off to. The one lady made it for her husband and the other made it to her cousin who happens to be her guardian. They enjoyed the group they both love trying new things and they like it so much because its different then what they do day to day. Today I stay late and I was on first floor pediatrics with the babies. They are so cute we listened to music, danced around, got them in their pj's and then put in a movie for them to fall asleep too. We will see what the rest of the week brings but hopefully no more snow!

Alli's Internship Day 22

Today was a good day at my internship. I was on 3rd floor geriatrics/young adults/rehab and I had a great time. They geriatrics are my favorite floors. Every morning starts off with a coffee social it gives the residents time to interact with one another and time to relax with friends while watching the "Today Show" and it gives us time to prep for the mornings activities. Today we did current events, this help them understand and know what is going on in the world and the weather too. Many of the residents love hearing about the weather and the snow storms that are coming. There was a story in today's paper about how a Kohl's department store was in danger of there whole roof collapsing due to the excessive snow on top, and with more to come it is a big worry. They love being knowledgeable about what is going on it gives them a sense of the outside world. After that we set up bowling for them. This bowling though, was for a table top and the pins were small and there was a round small ball that you use to throw down and knock over the pins. They use this one because there are many people in wheelchairs that can play this way and everyone really enjoys it. Its and even game for everyone wheelchair or not. The residents love bowling and there was a line to play it had a very good outcome and is one of the more popular games. We also had music playing during bowling and they sang along it was great. After that we set up for lunch and we put on "The Price is Right" that is one of their all time favorite shows. They bid as if they were there it's great. Setting up for lunch is not always easy, everyone has a assigned seat but that is the easy part the other part is the drinks and food. You have to be very careful about who gets what because there are all different types of dietary needs. Today was a successful day and when I left for lunch everyone had a smile on their face and that's all that really matters. Some of them are very alert and know that they are stuck there until they pass so anything to make them feel better or make their day is totally worth it. Hopefully the snow won't mess up my hours this week!

Alli's Internship Day 18

Today I was on the 4th floor which is geriatrics and we had our coffee social and then got set up for the Wii Dance Broadway and Basketball two separate groups that go on at the same time for the residents have a choice of what they would like to do. They love playing basketball, I think it brings back memories from high school and when they used to be active, and the Wii they are starting to like more and more. They get to choose songs that are familiar to them and they enjoy going against each other in a friendly competition. Then we set up for lunch. I really enjoy working on the 4th floor it is definitely my favorite floor. The residents and I are getting to know each other now and they love joking with the new-be but it is tons of fun. Later today after lunch I was on the 3rd floor which is young adults/geriatrics. I did the TTAP Method today and it went very well. We did a body relaxation and meditation and then we painted what we saw during the meditation. They pictures came out nice I will be posting them up soon. They seem to become really relaxed and enjoy doing the crafts. After that we played Bingo which is always a big hit on 3rd floor. Today it was snowing all day so I left a little early but all in all it was another successful day at my internship!

Cornell University continues to study the TTAP Method in the news!

Read the following article to understand how the TTAP Method is changing individuals lives who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Cut and paste link into search.


http://www.levinemadoriphd.com/content/news/chappaqua-resident-expert.php