Linda Levine Madori Ph.D.

International Research on the TTAP Method

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6 New International Research Studies Prove the effect of the TTAP Method® on Cognition, socialization and staff satisfaction and productivity.

 

Hämeenlinna, Degree Programme in Creative Arts(HAMK)

Author: Tarja Heikkinen

Year 2010

Subject of Master’s thesis: Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming

in psychiatric day centre

 

ABSTRACT

The aim of this thesis was to examine the impact of Therapeutic

Thematic Arts Programming, created for elderly people, when used in

Psychiatric day activity and to assess the usability of the method in

mental health work. The research question was approached from the

viewpoint of people recovering from mental health problems. The research

was implemented during twelve sessions of a psychiatric day activity

group. In this qualitative study the research methods used were

through observation and group interview, which was carried out

during the last group meeting. The theory of TTAP method was implemented

in this study and essential matters of mental health and mental health

rehabilitation as well as the groundings of art therapy were considered.

 

According to the research results the group’s experiences of TTAP

Method were positive and the method was regarded suitable for mental

health re-habilitation when the special characteristics are taken into

consideration in planning. The continuous process, where the chosen

theme was treated through various creative methods was considered the

benefit of the method. In addition, the group gained multiple experiences of

success. The activities strengthened both team spirit and enhanced emotional and social

interaction in the group. Through this pilot study, the development to apply the TTAP Method regularly to support the aims defined in mental health rehabilitation became an outcome to this research.

 

Further research could also be done on the effects of TTAP method on

Specific variables of personal empowerment and enhanced well-being.

 

Keywords: Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming (TTAP), learning

styles, mental health rehabilitation, psychiatric day centre,

solution-focused, art therapies.

 

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SEINÄJOKI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Thesis abstract

Faculty: School of Health Care and Social Work Degree programme:

Master degree in Elderly Care

Author/s: Katja Sariola

Title of thesis: Experiences of the TTAP-method in elderly care

Supervisor(s): Aila Vallejo-Medina and Sirkka-Liisa Palomäki

Year: 2010

Number of pages: 156

Number of appendices: 3

_________________________________________________________________

 

ABSTRACT

 

The goal of this research was to implement, collect, and document structured experiences from using the  9-steps of the TTAP Method with people with dementia. The TTAP Method® construct connects different arts and activities through the use of themes. The method works in groups, but proves to be very individual. In this case we chose the spring as a theme

for the activities. The target place was Mathilda koti in Jyväskylä,

which is a residential home for 17 persons with dementia. The nurses at

Mathilda koti took part in this research by assisting and observing the

activities. After the groups meeting we collected their observations

which were analyzed and proved significant later. The research was a functional, action-process research study. Data was collected through observation, written recording of behaviors, diary writing, photographing and summary recording in this research.

 

The nurses observed the group activities and then wrote daily observational notes on the individuals’ behaviors within the group. The observations were an important part of the work. There were four groups in Mathilda koti. The spring theme was handled with meditation, music,

food (baking), painting and dancing. I also asked them what spring means to

them ( as a mind-map of person centered activity).

 

The TTAP Method® proved to provide significant changes in the behavior of the group participants diagnosed with dementia. It was also found to decrease and prevent challenging aggressive behaviors of the participants over the 12 week period. The method accentuates similarity, skills that come from earlier life and encourages using and strengthens skills of those persons diagnosed with dementia still has.

 

Keywords: TTAP method, dementia, creativity, activities, sensory stimulation

 

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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 patients

HÄIVÄLÄ, 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

______________________________________________________________________

 

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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SEINÄJOKI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Abstract

Faculty: School of Health Care and Social Work

Degree programme: Master’s in Elderly Care

Author/s: Laura Hanski and Kaisu Kohola

Title of thesis: “We are all artists” Experiment of Therapeutic

Thematic Arts Programming (TTAP Method) at Hoivakoti Kissanpäivät

Supervisor(s): Sirkka-Liisa Palomäki, Kari Jokiranta

Year: 2009 Number of pages: 176 Number of appendices: 6

_________________________________________________________________

 

 ABSTRACT

 

Activities for the residents are often missing in retirement homes. The

goal of this thesis was to try Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming at

Hoivakoti Kissan-päivät and observe how it affects the residents. The

TTAP method is based on goal-directed action, it is a creative program.

This present work is part of DEMKE-project, whose aim is develop

quality of life for the demented elderly. Our priority was to establish

creative activities as a part of nursing home`s week. Our function was

to offer enhanced experiences to elderly, staff and close relatives. Thesis

actualized as co-operative development. Activity groups gathered five

times. We used observation, interviews, memos and photographing.

Research materials analysis considered TTAP method`s effects.

Our theme was nature. When the activity group gathered, we listened to

music, painted, made sculptures, tasted vegetables, smelled scents and

exercised.

 

TTAP Method was found out to be sensible and it suited the

nursing home well. Creative program is a good fit for demented people.

The program was found to activate memories, reminiscing, and arouses past personal images.

At the same time it activates brain functions and gives exercise to cognitive skills.

One function was to get close relatives participate in creative

activities and even get them to guide group moments. Everyone has creativity,

and you need only structure a theme and enthusiasm and willingness to use it.

 

Keywords: TTAP method, creative activity, senses, demented residents

 

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SEINÄJOKI UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

THESIS ABSTRACT

Faculty: Social- and Health Care Department

Degree programme: Master of Social Services

Authors: Peltokangas, Eija and Rantala, Marjaana

Title of the thesis: Enriching the daily life in a service center for

demented people.

Tutor: Perttula, Katariina

Year: 2009 Number of pages: 75 Number of appendices: 1

 

ABSTRACT

 

Thesis was made as an action research in a service center for demented

people, Kanervakoti, one of the participant units in Demke-project. The

purpose was to develop action for elderly persons to increase their

quality of life and welfare. In practice, this meant organizing weekly

events (Wednesday Feast) together with third sector agents. During the

process a supplemental program was created ac-cording to the theory of

Levine Madori. The intention of the supplemental program was to lower

the staff’s threshold to instruct activities. Research objectives were

to find out how the development work has succeeded and what kind of

effects it has for the elders and the work community.

 

The most of the data was collected by participant observation. The

viewpoints of the elderly people and the observations were noted in

research diaries. The staff’s views were received with theme interview

for the focus group. The results were evaluated with data based contents

analysis because the theory changed during the process as it is supposed

to do in action research.

 

The main result was that Wednesday Feast and the supplemental program

which was designed according to Levine Madori’s theory enriched the

inhabitants’ lives and increased their welfare. Wednesday Feasts

worked as planned but the staff didn’t start to organize the

supplemental program. However, it caused other beneficial and positive

effects such as the staff’s threshold to instruct activities lowered and the

amount of the organized activities increased. As the synergy of the

development work the inhabitants’ ability to function, vitality and

involvement has strengthened and gotten better. It can be stated that

development work is beneficial as it caused multiple positive results

with staff and the elderly people.

 

Keywords: development, dementia, institutional attendance, group

activity, welfare

 

***

 

 

 

Tampere University of Applied Sciences

Master´s Degree in the Field of Social and Health Care

Degree Programme in Health Promotion

Care of Ageing and Long-term patients

HOIVALA, TUULA & STJERNA, MARJA-LEENA:

Thesis 169 pages, appendices 4 pages.

April 2010

 

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to develop the working strategies and

empower the resources of the employees’ in the home for the demented

elderly. The purpose was to find ways to improve employees’ well-being

at work and through this increase also the residents’ care and quality of life.

The study had a resource-based perspective.

 

The bases of the study originate from the growing challenges of healthcare organizational functions that were identified in the initial inventory and the TTAP Method used was

an action based research study. These challenges are further seen in Finland’s

growing work force in the community health settings. Data for this study was collected with both

quantitative and qualitative methods. To measure occupational well-being

a staff questionnaire with multiple-choice questions, open questions and

operational indicators was used. The quality of life of the person diagnosed with dementia

was assessed through staff observation. Resource orientation and social

capital were the key concepts for the well-being at work. The

TTAP Method was proven as a structured modality which enhanced quality of life for both the

person diagnosed with dementia and staff satisfaction.

 

Benefits included an increase positive feeling of the healthcare staff in work experiences and increased job satisfaction increased as the research was carried out. However, the most significant development was the work community adopting dialogical and reflective practice among employees. The changes in the work practices improved the work flow and had a direct impact on the care and quality of life of the residents at the dementia home. The challenge for the healthcare community workforce is to continue developing and to maintain the social capital and well-being at work and to involve all the employees to be part of this development. A positive attitude towards development and equal atmosphere within the working community

requires an open dialogue, mutual trust and development of the communal

atmosphere.

 

One specific focus for development in the dementia home is

to increase this sense of communality so that it touches both the staff

and the inhabitants. Increasing social activities and carrying out group

guidance side-by-side with individual encounters is also seen as a

factor that will increase cognition, socialization and the overall quality of life of the person diagnosed with dementia.

 

Keywords: well being at work, resource orientation, social capital,

nursing the demented, quality of life of the demented.