Measuring the values and preferences for everyday care of persons with cognitive impairment and their family caregivers.

PURPOSE

This study describes the development and psychometric properties of a 24-item scale to be used in both research and practice settings that assesses the everyday care values and preferences of individuals with cognitive impairment and the perceptions of family caregivers about their relative's values and preferences for care.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The Values and Preferences Scale was developed on the basis of previous measures used with cognitively intact samples with additional items generated by the authors in consultation with an advisory committee of practitioners, researchers, family caregivers, and persons with cognitive impairment. Individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and their family caregivers (n = 111) were interviewed for the study.

RESULTS

Results of a factor analysis determined that the Values and Preferences Scale can be divided into two domains or subscales for persons with cognitive impairment and their family caregivers (i.e., Environment-Social Network and Personal Autonomy). These domains were found to have good internal consistency for both the individuals and their caregivers (Cronbach's alphas ranged from.70 to.82). Evidence of their psychometric properties compared with measures of depression, quality of life, and involvement in decision making was also found.

IMPLICATIONS

These findings suggest that persons with cognitive impairment are able to express values and preferences about care they currently receive or will need in the future. Further application and testing of the Values and Preferences Scale should prove useful to practitioners who assist those with cognitive impairment and their caregivers with daily care decisions and the development of care plans.