Further Validation of the QUALCARE Scale

The main goal of the study was to conduct a further validation of the QUALCARE Scale by documenting its criterion validity. More precisely, the study was designed to test the usefulness of the scale in identifying family-mediated elder mistreatment. Because the study used a French version of the scale, its inter-observer reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity were reexamined. Forty elder/caregiver dyads participated in the study. The elders were referred by professionals involved in their home care. The opinion of these professionals regarding the possible existence of a mistreatment situation within the family was used as the criterion against which the QUALCARE score was compared. The results suggest that a measure of quality of care is a valid indicator of the risk of mistreatment. However, the reproducibility of the scale proved to be insufficient. Its future use should therefore be preceded by more extensive training than that given in the present study.