Decoding Senior Living: What Do ADLS And iADLS Mean?
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Navigating the world of senior care can often be overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar terms like ADLs and iADLs. Whether you are concerned about a parent with dementia or are looking to understand more about your own care options, grasping the meaning and importance of these terms is crucial.
Below, FeatherStone at Hickory Hill dives into what ADLs and iADLs mean, why they matter, how they change with age and how our retirement home in Iowa City can help.
Introduction to ADLs and iADLs
These acronyms stand for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs), and they play a significant role in assessing the level of care an older adult may need. Knowing the differences between these two sets of activities can provide valuable insight into an older adult’s ability to remain independent and improve their lifestyle.
Activities of Daily Living
ADLs refer to basic self-care tasks that people perform daily. These tasks are fundamental to maintaining personal health and independence. There are five primary ADLs, each playing a vital role in daily life.
Bathing
Bathing is crucial for maintaining hygiene and overall health. It involves more than just washing; it includes navigating the bathroom setup safely. For older adults, particularly those with mobility issues or balance problems, bathing can become challenging.
Dressing
Dressing encompasses choosing appropriate clothing and physically putting it on. This task can be complicated for older adults dealing with arthritis or other conditions that affect their dexterity.
Toileting
Toileting refers to all aspects of using the bathroom. This ADL is critical for maintaining hygiene, wellness and self-esteem.
Transferring
Transferring involves moving from one position to another, such as from a bed to a chair. This can be especially difficult for older adults with limited mobility or strength. Support with mobility can help prevent falls and injuries, making everyday movements safer.
Eating
For older adults with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, ensuring they can eat comfortably and safely is essential. Proper nutrition is vital for overall health, so facilitating this ADL is crucial.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
iADLs are more complex tasks that don’t necessarily have to be completed daily but allow an individual to live independently. These tasks require higher cognitive and physical functioning compared to ADLs. Here are some examples:
Managing Medication
Managing medication includes understanding what medications to take, when to take them and how to store them properly. This activity is critical for those with multiple prescriptions. Incorrect medication management can lead to severe health issues, so offering assistance ensures they follow their treatment plans accurately.
Communication
This activity involves using the phone, making and receiving calls and understanding and managing phone functions. This is essential for staying connected with family, friends and healthcare providers. Older adults who struggle with this task may feel isolated, so ensuring they can use the phone is important for their mental well-being.
Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping involves planning meals, making a shopping list and purchasing items. This task can be challenging for those facing mobility issues or cognitive decline. Providing support for grocery shopping helps ensure individuals have access to nutritious foods and maintain a balanced diet.
Home Maintenance
Housekeeping includes cleaning, laundry and maintaining a tidy living setting. This activity is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring a comfortable home. Individuals who struggle with housekeeping may live in unsafe conditions, so assisting them can significantly impact their lifestyle.
Managing Finances
Managing finances entails budgeting, paying bills and handling money. Individuals who need help with managing finances risk falling into debt or financial exploitation, so support in this area is often necessary.
How FeatherStone at Hickory Hill Can Help
Understanding how ADLs and iADLs change with age is essential for providing appropriate care. Both sets of tasks are integral to maintaining an individual’s independence and quality of life. However, they can become increasingly difficult due to health conditions or cognitive decline.
The inability to perform ADLs and iADLs can significantly affect an older adult’s independence and lifestyle and may lead to a loss of self-esteem, increased dependence on others and a higher risk of accidents or poor health.
At FeatherStone at Hickory Hill, we provide services and support designed to cater to the unique needs of each resident, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care. The team at our retirement home in Iowa City works 24/7 to empower older adults to maintain their independence while also offering a safe and nurturing setting.
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We encourage you to contact our team and discover how our retirement home in Iowa City can not only assist with ADLs and iADLs but empower residents to thrive in their retirement years.
