Not to be confused with the basic activities of daily living (ADLs) that relate to personal care to maintain day-to-day functional living, IADLs are more complex tasks. There are 8 IADLs that professionals assess to determine a senior’s ability to maintain independent living. IADLs often weaken first while ADLs weaken in the later stages of illness or cognitive decline.
Skill levels range for each of these categories from independent proficiency to needs assistance. The 8 IADLs assessed are:
1. Ability to Cook and Prepare Meals. Can the senior plan meals, acquire the necessary items and prepare the meal using basic kitchen appliances?
2. Shopping. Can the senior shop in a store or online and understand how to research the item needed, find the best price and complete the order?
3. Medication Management. Can the senior obtain the right prescription medications from the pharmacy and over-the-counter medications from the store? Can the senior take the medications in the correct dosages on the prescribed time intervals? Can the senior understand the necessary over-the-counter medication and vitamin supplement usage in the right amounts and for the right ailments?
4. Laundry. Can the senior wash, dry, fold and put away personal clothing using basic appliances and appropriate detergent?
5. Transportation. Can the senior drive? See our blog post about assessing a senior’s ability to drive and how to determine when it is time to take away the keys. Is the senior able to safely and effectively use public transportation to get to desired locations?
6. Communication. Can the senior dial a telephone number to contact specific individuals and businesses? Can the senior use email and/or texting to communicate?
7. Housework. Can the senior maintain a safe, clean and orderly environment?
8. Finances. Can the senior pay bills on time? Can the senior monitor income and expenses?
A functional assessment to determine where your loved one scores on IADLs can help you better tailor a custom care plan to maintain independent living. These skills need to be reassessed regularly so the care plan can continue to evolve as needed. For more information on elder law services provided by Stouffer Legal in the Greater Baltimore area, contact us for a consultation. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
