The purpose of this thesis was to study the present state in work approach to assist abilities in physical activities in housing services for the elderly in the city of Turku. The goal was to get information about the nursing staff’ opinions on how much they were aware of the amount of their use of work approach in assisting physical ability of activity.

The thesis was mostly carried out as a quantitative study. The study was about a development where the material was collected using questionnaires structured in research method. In this study, an on-line Webropol survey was used. In the survey, there was an open question to give a qualitative insight in the study. The survey was sent to 756 persons and was answered by 177 persons within the time limit. The answering percentage was 23, hence the results of the study can be analyzed as suggestive. In opening and analyzing the material quantitative and qualitative research methods were used.

The study showed that physical reserves of strength are supported in many different ways. For the most part it is seen in taking care of the accessibility in the living surroundings, assistive devices and nutritional condition, avoiding risks of falling and guidance of daily activities. The majority of the respondents (97%) felt, that when there are the right aids and accessibility indoors as well as a sufficient competence of the personnel, work approach is improved. The qualitative part of the study presented that work approach of physical activity was not effective more often due to haste, the residents’ advanced dementia or their weak physical condition as well as the lack or the condition of aids and tools.

Based on the study it can be concluded that in the future it would be worth pondering together with the elderly people as how to improve their ability to function and find the right way to exercise. Furthermore, a multi-professional cooperation as guidance with the family members and finding solutions to encourage out-door activities, are important factors. Also, a sufficient number of staff is needed for supporting the coping at work for the nursing personnel.

The information from the study results will be used in education purposes for the staff at Kunnon Hoitaja housing services, in which events activating nursing culture is developed.