Development of a theory-based intervention to prevent abuse of older adults

This study explores the iterative development of the Knowledge and Interpersonal Skills to Develop Enhanced Relationships (KINDER) intervention, which was developed to prevent psychological abuse of older people (AOP) by family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Initially lacking a theoretical framework, KINDER was refined through two studies. In the first study, we conducted qualitative interviews with N = 7 caregivers who participated in an initial version of KINDER. Resourcefulness and Quality of Life Theory© (RQoLT) was applied to transcripts using thematic analysis. Based on the findings, KINDER was refined to more intentionally integrate this theory, including the addition of small group discussions. A second pilot study tested the revised intervention. Qualitative interviews were repeated post-intervention to affirm the theory's applicability (N = 11), bolstered by survey data from N = 71 demonstrating perceived enhancement of resourcefulness skills. Results suggest that RQoLT is a viable framework for developing skills to prevent AOP and support high-quality caregiving.