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Understanding the daily tasks used to measure elderly independence
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It’s time for grandma’s annual check-up, and while you’re noting which prescriptions you need to pick up, the doctor turns to you and asks, “How are her ADLs and IADLs? Have they been assessed recently?” The jumble of letters goes right over your head—what are ADLs and IADLs? These abbreviations can be useful when caring for a senior citizen, especially when considering if extra help or assisted living is needed. Read on to learn what ADL and IADL mean and how they differ.
Things You Should Know
- ADLs or Activities of Daily Living include everyday tasks such as walking, bathing, eating, and going to the bathroom.
- IADLs or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living refer to tasks that require cognitive thinking and organizational skills like finances, housekeeping, and driving.
- Grading a senior’s ADLs and IADLs measures their limitations and can help you determine the care they need.
Steps
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Tips
- If your loved one cannot perform ADL or IADL tasks on their own because of their age or a health condition, it may be time to think about assisted living .Thanks
- Consider signing your elderly loved one up for government assistance if they require extra care—there’s no shame in asking for help!Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/activities-of-daily-living/
- ↑ https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/measuring-activities-daily-living-comparisons-across-national-surveys-0
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470404/
- ↑ https://www.alz.org/careplanning/downloads/lawton-iadl.pdf
- ↑ https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/measuring-activities-daily-living-comparisons-across-national-surveys-0
- ↑ https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/functional-independence-measure
- ↑ https://www.sralab.org/sites/default/files/2017-07/barthel.pdf
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