What are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)?
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are complex skills that assess a person's ability to live independently and manage their daily lives. Unlike basic ADLs, which focus on personal care, IADLs involve tasks such as grocery shopping, meal planning, and managing finances. These activities determine the level of support needed and the ability to live independently. Declining IADLs may indicate underlying health issues. IADLs are often categorized into 8 areas:
8 Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
1. Communication: Effectively interact and convey thoughts, ideas, and needs through verbal and non-verbal means, ensuring clear understanding and meaningful engagement with others.
2. Financial Management: Handling personal finances and managing money-related tasks, such as budgeting, paying bills, keeping track of expenses, and making informed financial decisions.
3. Meal Preparation: Planning, preparing, and cooking meals according to dietary needs and preferences. Grocery shopping, meal planning, following recipes, and ensuring proper nutrition.
4. Medication Management: Manage medication schedules, dosage instructions, and proper administration. Organizing medications, adhering to prescribed regimens, and understanding potential side effects.
5. Laundry: Laundry tasks, including sorting, washing, drying, folding, and storing clothes and other fabrics appropriately.
6. Shopping: Independently navigate shopping environments, identify needed items, compare prices, make informed purchasing decisions, and manage shopping lists.
7. Transportation: Arrange and utilize transportation for various purposes, such as attending appointments, running errands, and participating in social activities. It may involve driving, using public transportation, or coordinating rides with others.
8. Housekeeping: Maintain a clean and organized living environment. Cleaning, tidying up, dusting, vacuuming, and managing household chores.
Evaluating an individual's proficiency in these instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) helps healthcare professionals to determine the level of assistance required for independent living.
