What are ADLs and IADLs?
As with any other industry, senior home health care services have certain jargon we use in our care programs, including the terms ADLs and IADLs. Here is some insight into what these terms mean, from our team.
First, ADLs are Activities for Daily Living – the basic self-care tasks that every adult needs to be able to handle during the course of a normal day. There are 6 ADLs, namely:
- Eating – Feeding yourself and getting adequate nutrition to stay healthy.
- Bathing – Getting in and out of the shower or tub safely, and cleaning yourself properly.
- Dressing – Putting clothes on easily and ensuring that those clothes are appropriate for the weather.
- Toileting – Recognizing urges to go to the bathroom and using the toilet without assistance.
- Mobility – The ability to walk, go up and down stairs, get up from seated positions and getting up out of bed.
- Grooming – Brushing your teeth and maintaining personal hygiene.
IADLs are more complex tasks that support adult independence, and include everything from managing finances, driving safely and managing medication properly to shopping, basic home maintenance and housework.
Why do ADLs and IADLs Matter?
These skills all revolve around being able to live an independent life and the loss of these skills can indicate that assistance is required for someone to live a safe and enjoyable quality of life.
IADLs and ADLs are evaluated by senior care specialists including doctors, social workers and other healthcare practitioners to ensure that seniors get the care they need when they need it, rather than waiting until an emergency situation to intervene. They are also used to evaluate if a senior meets certain criteria for particular services like Medicaid. If you are caring for a senior loved one, it’s important to know these IADLs and ADLs so that you get a clear picture of the kind of assistance they need, and to watch for any deterioration that could indicate health issues. For example, deterioration of IADLS and ADLS is common in early stages of dementia conditions.
Looking for Qualified Aides to Provide At Home Care for Elderly? Our Team Can Help
At United Methodist Communities, we understand the challenges of providing expert medical care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed one of the leading home health aide agencies and senior care programs in New Jersey.
Through our senior home health care services, trained and highly experienced staff can assist seniors and their families through comprehensive in home care. Each care plan is designed around the client’s exact needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.
For more information on our seniors home health care services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/elderly-home-health-care-nj/
