At A Better Life Homecare, we believe that true independence is about more than just basic self-care—it’s about being able to manage everyday life safely, confidently, and with dignity. For many older adults and individuals living with disabilities or chronic conditions, challenges often begin with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).
Understanding IADLs helps families recognize when extra support is needed and how in-home care services can make a meaningful difference while allowing loved ones to remain at home.
What Are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)?
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are the complex daily tasks that allow a person to live independently within their home and community. These activities require a combination of physical ability, cognitive skills, organization, and decision-making.
Unlike basic personal care, IADLs often involve managing responsibilities that keep a household and daily routine running smoothly. Difficulty with IADLs is often an early indicator that someone may benefit from homecare support.
The Difference Between ADLs and IADLs
Both Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are used by healthcare providers and homecare agencies to assess care needs.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) focus on basic self-care tasks, including:
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Transferring and mobility
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) go a step further and focus on independent living skills.
Many individuals are fully independent with ADLs but need assistance with IADLs. This is where non-medical homecare and family caregiver support play a critical role.
Examples of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Common IADLs include:
- Meal planning and food preparation
- Medication reminders and management
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Managing finances and paying bills
- Transportation to appointments and community activities
- Using phones, computers, or other communication tools
- Scheduling and attending medical appointments
Support with these tasks helps reduce safety risks and improves quality of life at home.
IADLs Assessment Tools: How Is Function Evaluated?
IADL functioning is typically evaluated through standardized assessments used by healthcare professionals, case managers, and homecare providers.
Common tools include:
- Lawton & Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale
- Functional Independence Measures (FIM)
- Occupational Therapy Functional Assessments
These tools help determine whether an individual can perform tasks independently, needs partial assistance, or requires full support—guiding appropriate homecare service recommendations.
Who Is Affected by IADL Impairments?
IADL limitations can affect individuals of all ages, but they are most common among:
- Older adults aging at home
- Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
- Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- People living with chronic illness
- Individuals recovering from surgery or injury
- Adults with mental health or cognitive challenges
Early identification of IADL challenges allows families to put the right support in place before daily life becomes unsafe or overwhelming.
IADLs Checklist for Families
If you’re unsure whether a loved one may need homecare support, consider the following IADLs checklist:
- Difficulty preparing meals safely
- Missed or incorrect medications
- Trouble managing household chores
- Missed appointments or forgotten schedules
- Difficulty managing money or paying bills
- Limited ability to shop or run errands
- Transportation challenges
Struggles in one or more of these areas may indicate the need for in-home assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADLs and IADLs
Can someone need help with IADLs but not ADLs?
Yes. Many individuals can manage personal care independently but need support with more complex daily tasks.
Are IADLs covered by homecare services?
Yes. Non-medical homecare services commonly focus on IADL support to help individuals remain safely at home.
Do IADLs affect eligibility for homecare or Medicaid programs?
Yes. IADL assessments are often used to determine eligibility for homecare, adult family living, and other community-based programs.
Can IADL support prevent nursing home placement?
In many cases, yes. Proper IADL support can delay or prevent the need for institutional care.
Why IADLs Matter for A Better Life Homecare
At A Better Life Homecare, IADLs are at the heart of our non-medical homecare services. We support individuals and families by providing compassionate, reliable assistance with daily living tasks—while promoting independence and dignity.
Our caregivers help clients:
- Stay safe and comfortable at home
- Maintain routines and independence
- Reduce caregiver stress for families
- Improve overall quality of life
Whether through private-pay services or state-supported family caregiving programs, our goal is simple: to help individuals live a better life at home.
Need help with daily living activities for yourself or a loved one?
Contact A Better Life Homecare today to learn how our in-home support services can help you or your family member thrive at home.
