APA Dictionary of Psychology

a 24-item questionnaire on the importance of certain aspects of daily life to individuals with cognitive impairment, as assessed both from their perspective and that of their caregivers. Each party rates the items on a 1 to 3 scale, ranging from not at all important (1) to very important (3), with the items relating to the care recipients’ values and preferences for safety, personal autonomy, financial independence, need for support and assistance, social relationships, spiritual or religious needs, and other concerns of everyday life. The VPS is designed to help clarify the recipients’ current and future care needs. [developed in 2005 by U.S. psychologist Carol J. Whitlach, U.S. social worker Lynn Friss Feinberg, and Shandra S. Tuck]