Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)

Instrumental activities of daily living, otherwise known as IADLs, are just like activities of daily living (ADLs) but are a little more complex.
ADLs and IADLs refer to critical life tasks that must be accomplished daily. ADLs focus on priorities such as continence, mobility, personal hygiene, etc. IADLs, on the other hand, are more intricate tasks that are still a necessary part of everyday life.
These skills can include:

  • Using the telephone
  • Shopping
  • Preparing meals
  • Taking medication(s)
  • Transportation
  • Managing finances

ADLs cover daily physical functioning, while IADLs deal with the more convoluted elements of everyday life.