The Activities of Daily Living (or ADLs) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (also known as IADLs) are two of the most important concepts for seniors or their loved ones who are either looking for, or currently receiving, senior care whether it takes place at home or in a senior living community setting. ADLs refer to basic self-care needs such as bathing, dressing, and eating, while IADLs refer to more complex skills like managing finances, transportation, and medication management. Both ADLs and IADLs help seniors and their families assess their level of independence and what care may be necessary. To learn more about the differences between the ADLs and IADLs, and why they’re so important for seniors and their families, read more below or reach out to the Sunbound team here to learn more.

What’s the difference between ADLs and IADLs

The Activities of Daily Living (known as ADLs) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (known as the IADLs) both refer to the basic activities that we must accomplish to live full and independent lives. At a high level, you can think of the ADLs as the most basic and fundamental of these activities, things like toileting, eating, and dressing oneself. IADLs, on the other hand, refer to slightly more advanced daily activities that are still considered necessary for leading a full and independent life such as managing your personal finances or running errands around town. 

Together, both ADLs and IADls help seniors and their families assess the level to which they can live independently. If you or a senior loved one find themselves struggling to complete any of the ADLs or IADLs, it may be time to consider whether a senior living community or at-home senior care may be appropriate. 

What are ADLs?

The six main ADLs are generally considered to be dressing, toileting, bathing, getting in and out of furniture like your bed or chairs, eating, and continence. As discussed in further detail below, the ADLs are so important as the inability to perform at least two of the ADLs without assistance is generally considered to be the trigger for an individual to be eligible for long term care insurance benefits. Therefore, the ADLs are not only an important way for a senior or their loved one to track their health, but can also play an important part in applying for long term care coverage.

Dressing : In the context of ADL’s, dressing involves selecting and putting on appropriate clothing for the day. For seniors, dressing can become more challenging due to physical limitations such as arthritis or mobility issues. It may also take longer to dress, causing frustration or anxiety. 

Toileting : Toileting refers to the ability to successfully get on and off the toilet, and any related personal hygiene that comes with it. Seniors may need help with toileting due to mobility issues, incontinence, or cognitive impairment. Family members or caregivers may need to assist with toileting, such as helping the senior to the bathroom, transferring them onto the toilet, and ensuring proper hygiene.

Bathing : Bathing involves cleaning the body, which may include getting in and out of the bathtub or shower, washing hair, and maintaining personal hygiene. For seniors, bathing may become more challenging due to physical limitations or fear of falling. Bathing also includes personal hygiene activities such as brushing your teeth or shaving.

Transferring : Transferring refers to the act of getting in and out of chairs, sofas, and beds. Seniors may need assistance with this task due to physical limitations or fear of falling. Assistance with transferring can include providing support, such as helping the senior stand up or sit down, or installing mobility aids like grab bars or handrails.

Eating : This activity involves preparing, serving, and consuming meals. Seniors may need assistance with meal preparation due to physical limitations or cognitive impairment. Family members or caregivers may need to help with grocery shopping, cooking, or feeding the senior. Additionally, seniors with dental problems or difficulty swallowing may need special dietary considerations.

Continence : Continence refers to a person's ability to control bladder and bowel movements. Seniors may experience incontinence due to physical or cognitive impairments, leading to embarrassment or social isolation. Assistance with continence can include helping the senior to the bathroom, providing incontinence products, or scheduling regular toileting breaks.

What are IADLs?

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are a set of activities that are necessary for independent living and involve more complex skills than basic activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities are essential for older adults to maintain their independence and continue to live in the community. IADLs include tasks such as managing finances, shopping, meal preparation, transportation, medication management, and housekeeping.

Unlike ADLs, which are focused on basic self-care needs, IADLs require a higher level of cognitive and physical functioning. These activities are typically more complex and require a greater degree of decision-making, planning, and organization. As such, older adults may begin to experience difficulties with IADLs as they age, which can impact their quality of life and ability to remain independent. Family members or caregivers may need to assist with these tasks to help older adults maintain their independence and continue to live in the community.

Why are ADLs and IADLs important?

ADLs and IADLs serve several important functions for seniors and their families. First, the ability (or sometimes the inability) to complete ADLs is often used as the benchmark for determining whether a senior is eligible for senior benefits such as long term care insurance or government assistance programs for the elderly. While each insurance plan or government program will have its own requirements, seniors are generally eligible for long term care programs and insurance when they are unable to perform at least two ADLs. 

In addition to qualifying for long term care insurance or government funded senior care, the ADLs and IADLs are incredibly important as they help inform when senior care is necessary, and what care is needed. For example, if your senior loved one is only struggling with a single IADL such as driving to do errands, then they may only need limited assistance from a family member or friend. If, on the other hand, you find yourself or a senior loved one struggling to complete several ADLs such as dressing and eating, it is probably time to consult a senior care expert or medical provider and to start to think about finding a senior living community. 

To learn more about how Sunbound can help make paying for senior living and senior care more affordable for you or your senior loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and senior care, and we’re on a mission to make senior living and senior care more affordable for everyone.