Observing Quality of Life in Dementia

Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging’s Observing Quality of Life in Dementia (OQOLD) Training Toolkit is designed to help researchers and practitioners assess systematically the quality of life of people with memory problems. OQOLD is a reliable, valid, and practical procedure that was developed during a six-year time period in collaboration with service providers in adult day care, assisted living, and skilled care.  During these six years, OQOLD researchers worked closely with staff to ensure the final product would be both practical and useful. 

OQOLD:

• improves dementia care practice
• helps track progress of residents with memory care issues
• is easy to learn
• doesn’t disrupt the lives of staff members, residents, and clients

OQOLD data will help you:

• assess new interventions for research studies or dementia care practice
• train staff
• provide feedback to family members, board members, and other interested parties
• improve marketing
• provide researchers with a reliable and valid measure for dementia-specific QOL

7-point scale:

OQOLD tracks progress through the use of a seven-point scale of Pleasantness Scores.  An example is below:

 

OQOLD: Pleasantness Scores

+3

EXCELLENT.  An extremely pleasant experience.  A very enjoyable OR high level of verbal or non-verbal engagement with others or an activity. Examples:  Having a very enjoyable or sustained conversation with another person(s), OR a very enjoyable or sustained interaction with a pet, OR a very high or sustained level of engagement in talking, singing or playing games.

© Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, May/2003,
All Rights Reserved, Do Not Use Without Permission

 

OQOLD Training Toolkit includes:

• general manual
• computer data entry/report generation manual
• 3 DVDs

Cost: $129

Order: To order or for more information, please email Kim Deng or click here.