One of the most important goals and achievements for elderly adults is maintaining independence. As we age, our bodies, minds, and overall faculties can decline, making quotidian tasks, such as driving, cooking a meal, and even eating and bathing, much more difficult. Keeping the ability to perform these activities is key to living independently.
When our loved ones can no longer perform these activities, it may be time for help, such as seeking care in a skilled nursing or memory care facility. But not all these activities are the same. There are two key concepts to consider when understanding everyday activities — the “activities of daily living,” and the instrumental activities of daily living.
Today, we’ll look at the subtle but important difference between IADLS vs. ADLs, help you understand how they each affect independence in seniors, and let you know how Haven Health can help your family.
What Are The Activities Of Daily Living (ADLs)?
The activities of daily living, or ADLs, are basic tasks people need to perform to be able to take care of themselves. These are tasks that must be performed every day, and, in some cases, multiple times a day. They are the most fundamental activities to caring for oneself.
Common activities of daily living include:
- Eating
- Bathing and washing
- Dressing and getting undressed
- Toileting (the official term for the ability to use the bathroom independently)
- Corporeal mobility (the ability to walk or move around short distances)
Difficulty with these activities, even one of them, may mean your loved one needs professional support, either from an in-home caregiver or in a facility, like ours at Haven Health.
What Are Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living (IADLs)?
Instrumental activities of daily living are more complex tasks that are often ancillary to those above. They are not required to keep oneself alive and dignified but often help with the activities that do so. While not as fundamental as ADL’s, they are essential for maintaining strict independence.
Common instrumental activities of daily living include:
- Managing finances
- Driving
- Meal preparation and grocery shopping
- Cleaning the house
- Using modern communication devices
- Managing and remembering medication and doctor visits
While difficulty with these types of activities may not preclude elderly individuals from living alone and independently, they may need professional or non-professional support to keep doing so. In addition, trouble completing these activities may be one of the initial signs that your loved ones may soon need professional help.
What Is The Difference Between ADLs And IADLs?
There are two primary differences between ADLs and IADLs. The first is complexity. IADLs are more complex tasks that generally require a mix of dexterity, memory, cognitive function, and organization. ADLs are less-complex tasks that most of us take for granted.
The second difference is in function and importance to the basic tasks of living. ADLs are much more necessary for life. While some seniors who cannot manage their finances properly or drive may still be able to live alone with help, this goal will be nearly impossible for someone who cannot feed themselves or use the bathroom.
Another important difference is that difficulty with the instrumental activities of daily living often appears first. Difficulty with these activities can be a harbinger of difficulty with more rudimentary activities and challenges with independent living.
Why Are ADLs And IADLs Important In Senior Care Assessments?
These two concepts are important because they help caregivers, family members, and others assess the degree of independence seniors may be able to handle. These two ideas are also used to determine the level of care the elderly may require.
For example, someone who struggles with the instrumental activities of daily living might do fine in a nursing home or other elder care facility. However, someone who struggles with eating and toileting may need the 24/7 care skilled nursing provides.
These concepts also help create the personalized healthcare plans we use at Haven Health. Understanding which activities an elderly person can accomplish allows caregivers to distribute care effectively, while still allowing for important personal independence, even within facilities like ours.
Haven Health Offers Memory Care And Skilled Nursing For Families Across Arizona
If your loved ones need a bit of extra help, consider assisted living care at Haven Health. We offer wonderful facilities across Arizona, phenomenal staff, and fantastic amenities. Call today to speak with a representative who can answer questions or schedule a tour of a nearby facility.
Sources:
Activities of Daily Living. (2024).
Edemekong, P., et al. (2025). Activities of Daily Living.
Gui, H., et al. (2022). Instrumental Activity of Daily Living.