The behavioural assessment scale of later life (BASOLL): A Description, factor analysis, scale development, validity and reliability data for a new scale for older adults

Abstract

SUMMARYPreliminary data on the Behavioural Assessment Scale of Later Life (BASOLL) (Brooker and Nissenbaum, 1986) are described. The BASOLL is based upon Zarit's Memory and Behavioural Problem Checklist (MBPC; Zarit et al., 1980) and the Blessed Dementia Scale (BDS; Blessed et al., 1968). The BASOLL was administered to a sample of 177 psychogeriatric patients over a period of 2 years during regular clinical practice in outpatient, day patient and inpatient settings. A factor analysis revealed three factors which were named self-care behaviour, memory and orientation, and challenging behaviour. The similarity with factors derived from Zarit's MBPC is discussed. Summative scales derived from the factor analysis of the BASOLL were internally consistent. Data on test-retest and interrater reliability are presented which suggest that the scales are reliable. The scales included in the BASOLL were all able to distinguish between patients in day hospital, respite care and continuing care settings. Thus the scales can be said to have good criterion validity for these settings. The clinical development and utility of the BASOLL is discussed.

Care staff and family member perspectives on quality of life in people with very severe dementia in long-term care: a cross-sectional study

“…The BASOLL [ 22 ] is a reliable and valid measure of self-care ability, functioning and behavior. This measure, rated by care staff, incorporates sub-scales assessing mood (9 items), self-care (10 items), sensory abilities (2 items), memory and orientation (9 items), mobility (1 item) and challenging behaviour (5 items).…”

Development of an awareness-based intervention to enhance quality of life in severe dementia: trial platform

“…• Behaviour: Behavioural Assessment Scale of Later Life (BASOLL) [ 34 ]; a reliable and valid rating of self-care ability, functioning and behaviour, completed by staff.…”

The Challenging Behaviour Scale (CBS): Development of a scale for staff caring for older people in residential and nursing homes

“…Secondly, the range of behaviours assessed is usually not broad enough to incorporate the challenges experienced by staff and residents, often because they attempt to cover difficulties with physical ability/ activities of daily living and cognitive symptoms, as well as behaviour. Examples of these 'mixed domain scales' include the Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale (Meer & Baker, 1966), the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly -CAPE-BRS (Pattie & Gilleard, 1979), the Psychogeriatric Dependency Rating Scales -PGDRS (Wilkinson & Graham-White, 1980), and the Behaviour Assessment Scale of Later Life -BASOLL (Brooker, Sturmey, Gatherer, & Summerbell, 1993). Other scales may be too specific in their focus on selected dimensions of behaviour, such as aggression (for example, the SOAS, Palmstierna & Wistedt, 1987; the RAS, Ryden & McLachlan, 1991;the RAGE, Patel & Hope, 1992) or agitation to the exclusion of apathy (for example, the CMAI, Cohen-Mansfield, Marx, & Rosenthal, 1989).…”

“…Finally, even when care has been taken in scale development, there are methodological difficulties that might limit utility. For example, reliability data for the BASOLL (Brooker et al, 1993) are based on ratings by clinical psychologists and occupational therapists with the assumption that following some (unspecified) training, a wide variety of care staff should be able to reliably apply the measure.…”