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

This study explores the iterative development of the <i>Knowledge and Interpersonal Skills to Develop Enhanced Relationships</i> (<i>KINDER</i>) intervention, which was developed to prevent psychological abuse of older people (AOP) by family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Initially lacking a theoretical framework, <i>KINDER</i> was refined through two studies. In the first study, we conducted qualitative interviews with <i>N</i> = 7 caregivers who participated in an initial version of <i>KINDER</i>. <i>Resourcefulness and Quality of Life Theory</i>© (RQoLT) was applied to transcripts using thematic analysis. Based on the findings, <i>KINDER</i> 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 (<i>N</i> = 11), bolstered by survey data from <i>N</i> = 71 demonstrating perceived enhancement of resourcefulness skills. Results suggest that <i>RQoLT</i> is a viable framework for developing skills to prevent AOP and support high-quality caregiving.