Assess not assume--measuring the morale of cognitively impaired elderly.

The morale of cognitively impaired elderly has not been systematically studied as this group has been excluded in most studies of well-being. This study showed that most cognitively impaired persons who retain verbal skills were able to respond to a verbally administered assessment using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Support for the reliability and validity of measurement of morale in cognitively impaired elderly using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale was reported. Ratings of the morale of cognitively impaired persons by family members were significantly associated with self-report by elders, but tended to be lower.