INSTRUMENTAL ADLs

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are self-care activities that go beyond the most fundamental aspects of functioning and are more complex and demanding than basic ADLs; they allow an individual to live independently within a community.

Assessment of instrumental ADLs involves determining too what extent someone, can, on their own, perform tasks in the following areas:

1. Daily Tasks Around the Home:

   • Prepare meals and cleanup afterwards:

     • Plan, cook, prepare, and serve nutritious meals:
     • Clean-up afterwards
     • Store food
     • Safely use kitchen equipment and utensils

   • Do Housework:

     • Complete light housework:
       • Dust
       • Straighten up rooms and surfaces
       • Make bed
     • Maintain hygienic environment:
       • Wash dishes
       • Vacuum, sweep, and mop
       • Clean bathrooms
       • Remove trash
       • Do laundry

   • Maintain the home and yard:

     • Do yard work (mowing, raking, snow removal, etc.)
     • Do inside maintenance (painting, plumbing, etc.)

   • Shop for groceries or clothes:

     • Make grocery and other shopping lists
     • Choose and purchase items
     • Obtain and store correct amounts
     • Transport or arrange transport of items

   • Manage communications:

     • Use hard-line telephone, mobile phone, email, Internet
     • Look up and dial numbers
     • Look up email addresses and send emails
     • Search and access Internet sites

2. Social Activities:

   • Get around within the community:

     • Drive car, arrange rides with friends or family, or use public transportation, taxi,  or ride services
     • Get to and from appointments, events, visits, etc.

   • Interact with friends and family:

     • Spend desired time with family and friends
     • Ask family and friends for assistance
     • Feel connected with neighbors

   • Be involved in the community:

     • Keep busy
     • Contribute to the community
     • Attend social, cultural, and/or religious events or observances

3. Personal Finance:

   • Manage and collect income, pay bills, and budget:

     • Conduct banking transactions
     • Collect income
     • Pay bills on time
     • Budget – manage expenditures within available cash
     • Handle insurance claims
     • Avoid scams

   • Keep records and track activity:

     • Keep track of money of money inflows and outflows
     • Keep track of balances in accounts
4. Health Care:

   • Select and supervise caregivers

   • Make and keep healthcare appointments

   • Take medicines as prescribed:

     • Take accurate dosages at appropriate times
     • Manage re-fills
     • Avoid conflicts

   • Exercise sufficiently

Below is a sampling of products and equipment that are designed to help you complete your instrumental ADLs for a longer period of time. Click on the links to find out more information, see other products selections, and if you like, to make a purchase from one of our providers.