ADLs and IADLs: Understanding Essential Daily Living Activities

There are many acronyms in every industry. As you research independent living options in your area, you may see references to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Here’s a basic explanation of these terms, which may help you assess whether it might be time for a change in living arrangements for your loved one. 

Health professionals and researchers developed the concepts of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to assess individuals’ functional status, particularly among the elderly and those with disabilities. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers use the terms (and accompanying scales) to assess individuals’ functional abilities and care needs. 

Here’s an overview of the basic activities that are assessed. 

How to Assess ADLs and IADLs

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are crucial for assessing the functional status of individuals, particularly older people and those with disabilities. 
• ADLs include tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, and continence. Assessing these activities helps determine whether an individual may need assisted living or additional support services. IADLs, which involve managing finances, transportation, shopping, meal preparation, medication management, housekeeping, and using communication devices, are essential for evaluating an individual’s ability to live independently.
• Developed by health professionals and researchers, these concepts are widely used by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers to plan appropriate care and services for those who need assistance. 
• ADLs are essential for basic physical functioning and personal care, often the first aspect assessed when determining care needs. In contrast, IADLs require more organizational and complex thinking skills, reflecting a higher level of independence. Recognizing the differences between ADLs and IADLs can help families and caregivers make informed decisions about senior living options and support services.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are basic tasks that are essential for self-care and independent living. These activities are fundamental and necessary for an individual to function daily. ADLs are typically categorized into the following:

1. Bathing and showering: Is the person able to maintain their personal hygiene?
2. Dressing: Can the individual select appropriate clothes and put them on correctly?
3. Eating: Does the person have the ability to cut their food and bring it to their mouth? (Please note that meal preparation is not listed as an ADL.)
4. Transferring: Transferring is the capacity to move from one place to another, such as getting in and out of bed or a chair.
5. Toileting: Does the person have the ability to use the toilet, including getting on and off and performing necessary personal hygiene?
6. Continence: Continence means the ability to control bladder and bowel functions.

Assessing ADLs can help determine whether it might be time to research assisted living facilities or hire someone to help with house cleaning and home maintenance. 

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that support an individual’s ability to live independently in the community. These activities are not necessarily required for fundamental functioning but are important for independent living. IADLs include:

1. Managing Finances: Does the individual have the ability to handle money, pay bills, and manage financial assets?
2. Transportation: Does the person have the capability to drive or use public transportation independently?
3. Shopping and Meal Preparation: Can the person purchase groceries and other necessities? Are they able to plan, prepare, and cook meals?
4. Managing Medications: Can the person manage this task independently if they have a medical issue requiring medication?
5. Housekeeping and Home Maintenance: Does the person have the ability to perform light chores to maintain a clean and safe living environment?
6. Using Communication Devices: Managing communication devices can be difficult for older adults. Can your loved one use phones, computers, and other devices to communicate with others?

Understanding the Differences Between ADLs and IADLs

ADLs are necessary for basic physical functioning and personal care. They are often the first to be assessed when determining the level of care an individual needs.

IADLs require more organizational skills and are crucial for independent living in the community. They often reflect a higher level of independence than ADLs and require more complex thinking skills.

As you consider how well your loved one functions independently, note that some older adults hide the fact that they are struggling with basic activities of daily living to not worry their family caregivers or because they have concerns about being placed in a nursing home. Are you unsure whether your aging parent is ready for a senior living facility? Schedule a tour at a Mira Vie assisted living facility. Our facilities are nothing like nursing homes of the past. Instead, we have beautiful, safe living accommodations for older adults that would significantly improve the quality of life of your loved one.