NCJ Number
176433
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: 1995 Pages: 29-48
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The main goal of this study was to validate the QUALCARE scale by documenting its criterion validity and test the scale's usefulness in identifying family-mediated elder mistreatment.
Abstract
The original scale was designed to quantify the extent to which caregivers satisfied the needs of recipients; 52 scale items were grouped into six subscales: environmental, physical, medical maintenance, psychosocial, human rights, and financial. Because the current study used a French version of the scale, its interobserver reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity were re-examined using 40 elder-caregiver dyads. Elders were referred by professionals involved in their home care, and opinions of these professionals regarding the possible existence of a mistreatment situation within the family were used to evaluate QUALCARE scores. Results suggested that quality of care was a valid indicator of the risk of mistreatment. Reproducibility of the scale, however, proved to be insufficient. Results also indicated that the use of the scale must be preceded by intensive training to achieve an acceptable level of interobserver reliability and that an instrument designed to evaluate the quality of care to elderly persons must be sensitive to different categories of mistreatment. 51 references and 6 tables