What are ADLs and IADLs?

A person’s ability or inability to perform Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living are important in gauging what type of support is required to keep them living a safe, healthy and functional lifestyle. New Hampshire requires that Assisted Living Communities create a Care Plan for each resident. This plan includes the resident’s level of ability to perform ADLS and IADLS and requires documentation of what types of services are being provided by the community to assist with identified needs. Some communities base a resident’s cost on the amount of assistance they require with ADLs and IADLs.

ADLs are the simple tasks that are part of a person’s daily living. They include such activities as bathing, dressing; eating, toileting and ability to self ambulate.

While ADLS are more physical in nature, IADLs are activities that require multi step cognitive processes. They include such things as using the telephone, managing medications, preparing meals, managing finances, shopping for groceries or other necessities, tasks associated with up keeping a home and ability to driving oneself or arranging for transportation.