What Does A Senior’s ADL And IADL Mean?

10/13/2015
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ADL and IADL:
What to Know About These Two Terms.

At some point a senior care professional may ask you, “What are your mother’s ADLs?” or “What IADLs does your father need help with?” These are common terms in senior care and they simply stand for activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). But why is it important to know them? What does it really mean?

ADLs (activities of daily living) are the things we normally do during daily living. The ability or inability to perform ADLs can be used as a very practical measure of ability/disability of many disorders. ADLs are also one of the most important measurements used to determine if people qualify for certain services or if they need an increased level of care.

Health professionals often use a person’s ability or inability to perform ADLs as a measurement of their functional status, particularly in regard to people with disabilities and the elderly.

Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs)

Sometimes referred to as basic activities of daily living (BADLs).
These six basic types of ADLs involve the ability to independently:

1. Eat and obtain adequate nutrition
2. Wash oneself by bath, shower or sponge bath and maintain personal hygiene practices such as brushing one’s teeth and shaving
3. Dress oneself — both putting on and taking off clothing, including managing fasteners, putting on shoes and other assistive devices (braces, artificial limbs, etc.)
4. Use the toilet
5. Maintain control of one’s bladder and bowels and hygiene associated with this, or effectively manage incontinence
6. Walk and maintain mobility (or execute transfers), such as moving from the bed to a chair or up and down stairs

 

instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

ADLs are often mentioned by geriatric-care professionals in connection with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which are slightly more complex skills. IADLs are the activities that people do once they are up, dressed, put together. These tasks support an independent life style.

Many people can still live independently even though they need help with one or two of these IADL’s. 
IADL's include:

• cooking
• driving
• using the telephone or computer
• shopping
• keeping track of finances
• managing medication

 

How do you know when you or your loved one needs help?

Some common warning signs are:

  • weight loss
  • skipping meals
  • spoiled food in the refrigerator
  • difficulty remembering to take medications
  • difficulty remembering to attend appointments
  • confusion regarding everyday activities
  • getting lost,
  • difficulty managing finances and paying bills
  • increased isolation
  • changes in their typical routine

All of these above signs can be cause for concern


If you’re concerned that a senior loved one needs assistance with their ADLs or IADLs, it may be time to locate in-home care or an assisted living facility. That’s where Alternatives for Seniors can help. Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones.

 

BLOG Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen