Maintaining independence is extremely important as we age, and understanding the nuances of the activities and skills that make daily living possible is crucial for individuals, and their caregivers, to understand their health and needs.
The terms ADL and IADL represent distinct categories of abilities. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) focus on fundamental self-care tasks, like bathing and dressing, while Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) encompass the more complex skills required for independent living within a community, such as managing finances and preparing meals. Understanding these terms can provide insight into the daily challenges seniors may face and how they impact their ability to live independently.
Challenges with ADLs and IADLs often indicate how much support or supervision an individual may require. This helps assess the level of care needed, whether it’s assistance at home or a move to an assisted living facility.
Definition of Different Activities of Daily Living Terms
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
ADLs are the basic tasks a person needs to complete every day to take care of themselves. These essential activities form the foundation of independence and are also used as an indicator of a person's functional status. The inability to accomplish essential ADLs may lead to unsafe conditions and a poor quality of life.
Basic Activities of Daily Living
The United States National Health Interview Survey determined that 31.1% of retired adults (65+) require assistance with ADLs. According to the University of Texas, basic ADLs include the following categories:
- Ambulating: The extent of an individual’s ability to move from one position to another and walk independently.
- Feeding: The ability of a person to feed oneself.
- Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put the clothes on.
- Personal Hygiene: The ability to bathe and groom oneself and maintain dental hygiene, nail upkeep, and hair care.
- Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel function
- Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
IADLs involve more complex tasks that require a range of skills and greater independence. These activities are key to living an active, community-oriented life.
Examples of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
The instrumental ADLs are those that require more complex thinking and organizational skills.
- Transportation and Shopping: The ability to procure groceries, attend events, and manage transportation, either via driving or by organizing other means of transport.
- Managing Finances: This includes the ability to pay bills and manage financial assets.
- Shopping and Meal Preparation: This includes everything required to get a meal on the table. It also covers shopping for clothing and other items required for daily life.
- Housecleaning and Home Maintenance: This includes cleaning kitchens after eating, maintaining living areas reasonably clean and tidy, and keeping up with home maintenance.
- Managing communication with others: The ability to manage telephone and mail correspondences.
- Managing Medications: The ability to obtain medications and take them as directed.
According to the University of Pennsylvania, there are five IADL stages that are assigned from 0 to IV, with higher numbers indicating greater limitations. The first benchmark asks the question, “are you able to use the telephone, manage money, prepare meals, do light housework, shop, and do heavy housework without difficulty?” A ‘no’ response to this indicates there is no difficulty with IADLs. If you are unable to do any of these tasks, this indicates an IADL-IV stage threshold of complete difficulty.
A Personalized Approach to Care at Moorings Park Communities
Moorings Park Communities' 5-star-rated skilled nursing at the Chateau® and the organization’s award-winning assisted living with memory support offers personalized care to help residents and individuals from the community maintain their independence and quality of life. Other offerings, like Home Health, VIP personal assistant services, and dedicated concierge physicians from the top-rated NCH Healthcare System, also facilitate the quality care synonymous with Moorings Park Communities.
Deep knowledge and focus on ADLs and IADLs allow Moorings Park Communities’ residents to regain and strengthen essential skills, which facilitates an active and fulfilling lifestyle. With a personalized care plan in place, residents can focus on building confidence and regaining their ability to manage these daily activities.
The world-class senior living amenities offered at Moorings Park Communities also make it easier for retirees to stay active, independent, and engaged. For example, Moorings Park Communities’ five-star restaurants, meal services, and luxurious kitchens ensure residents have multiple options to enjoy nutritious meals in the way that best fits their lifestyle. Housekeeping and laundry services reduce demanding tasks, and transportation services add to the convenient lifestyle for residents.
With top-tier amenities, skilled nursing, assisted living with memory support, and other aspects of a continuum of care, Moorings Park Communities is dedicated to enhancing every aspect of daily life for residents and members. Contact us or schedule a tour today to discover how you can live a more active and fulfilling life at Moorings Park Communities in Naples, Florida.
