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Learning Objective 1: Describe the necessity, acceptability, feasibility, safety, and fidelity of a resourcefulness training intervention for relocated elders.
Learning Objective 2: Identify the effects of resourcefulness training on relocation adjustment and adaptive functioning of older adults.
Purpose: This pilot study of 40 older adults (aged 65+) who relocated to retirement communities within the last 18 months will evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, safety, necessity, fidelity, and effectiveness of a resourcefulness training (RT) intervention designed to help elders to adjust to relocation. The effects of RT on positive cognitions, resourceful behaviors, relocation adjustment and adaptive functioning will be examined.
Methods: Within the context of Zauszniewski’s mid-range theory of resourcefulness, a pre-test post- test design with random assignment to RT (two groups of 10) or to diversional activities (DA) (two groups of 10) will be used. Demographic and relocation factors will be measured by objective questionnaires. The Depressive Cognition and Resourcefulness Scales will measure intervention fidelity; the Index of Relocation Adjustment and the modified Community Living Skills Scale will measure intervention effectiveness. Necessity, acceptability, feasibility, and safety will be captured on an intervention evaluation questionnaire. Data will be collected pre-RT or DA and one week post-RT or DA during individual face-to-face interviews with a trained data collector.
Results: To examine intervention fidelity and effectiveness, chi-square analysis will compare the two RT groups to the two DA groups on demographics (age, race, education, income, marital status) and measures of positive cognitions, resourcefulness, relocation adjustment, and adaptive functioning. Paired t-tests will show differences between mean scores from pre- to post-intervention on indicators of fidelity (positive cognitions, resourcefulness) and effectiveness (relocation adjustment, and adaptive functioning). Qualitative data will describe intervention necessity, acceptability, feasibility, and safety.
Conclusion: The results of this pilot intervention trial will provide direction for further development of interventions to help recently relocated elders adjust to relocation.