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ADLs

ADLs are the basic activities your loved one engages in each day. This includes personal care activities such as:

  • Grooming
  • Toileting
  • Personal hygiene
  • Eating

IADLs

IADLs consist of more complex activities such as:

  • Preparing meals
  • Laundry
  • Managing finances and medications
  • Housekeeping tasks

Recognizing a person’s areas of need is the first step in developing a care plan (or making a referral for care) to provide the appropriate type and level of assistance. Learning how well your loved one is managing ADLs and IADLs will help determine if they are capable of staying in their current residence, if they need in-home assistance with specific tasks, or if they need more regular hands-on care like that provided in a senior living community.

If your loved one requires daily assistance with ADLs or IADLs, they may also be eligible for federal or state assistance programs. To be eligible for Medicaid, a functional or medical need must be demonstrated, which is done through evaluating ADLs and IADLs. Veterans Affairs also takes functional and medical needs into account for the eligibility of benefits such as the Aid and Attendance allowance.

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How to take the assessment

To take the ADL and IADL assessment below, consider the day-to-day personal functions listed in the  “ADL/IADL Functions” (e.g., Bathing, Eating, and so on). Rank how your loved one performs each function based on the following senior assistance levels:

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Can Do on Their Own

Your loved one can perform this function on their own without help from another person.

Need Some Help from Others

Your loved one can perform this function, but they may need minimal assistance with some aspects of it.

Needs a Lot of Help from Others

Your loved one has difficulty with this function and needs a lot of assistance to complete it.

Unable to Do on Their Own

Your loved one is unable to perform this function and relies on others to perform the task for them.
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For each ADL/IADL Function row, select the option that matches your loved one’s ability to perform the function.

 

For example, if your loved one can bathe on their own with no assistance, you would select “can do on their own." Select an option in each row to ensure you receive an accurate score.

ADL Function
ADLs describe the basic tasks necessary to live and function independently in day-to-day life. These essential functions include the following:

Can Do on Their Own
Needs Some Help from Others
Needs a Lot of Help from Others
Unable to Do on Their Own
Bathing
This consists of the ability to bathe daily, whether with or without tools such as a shower chair or grab bars.
Dressing
This consists of the ability to select appropriate clothing and outerwear for the season and occasion, and to put the clothes on by themselves.
Personal Hygiene
This includes tasks such as brushing teeth, nail care, and combing hair.
Toileting
This is the ability to get on and off the toilet and to clean themselves without assistance.
Continence
This means having complete control of bladder and bowel function.
Transferring to/from
a Bed or Chair
This is the ability to get into and out of a bed or a chair without assistance.
Mobility
This is the ability to walk from one place to another without assistance.
Eating
This consists of the ability to get food from plate to mouth as well as chewing and swallowing.

IADL Function
IADLs are more complex functions that require problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills, including:

Can Do on Their Own
Needs Some Help from Others
Needs a Lot of Help from Others
Unable to Do on Their Own
Shopping
This consists of going to the store for groceries and other necessities.
Cooking
This consists of regularly preparing meals for themselves.
Managing Medications
This consists of the ability to obtain and take medications as directed.
Managing Communication
This consists of looking up phone numbers, using the phone, and managing the mail to communicate with others.
Housework
This includes the ability to perform tasks to keep the residence clean and well-maintained such as vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, sweeping, and mopping.
Laundry
This is the ability to maintain clean clothing and launder clothing as needed.
Driving or Using Public Transportation
This is the ability to attend events, go shopping, and do other activities by driving oneself or arranging other means of transportation.
Managing Finances
This includes the ability to manage financial assets and pay bills.

Why Cedarhurst?

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What Comes Next?

The process of considering what comes next and choosing the right senior living community for your loved one can be a challenge, but Cedarhurst is here when and where you need us. Whether you need assistance in determining the appropriate level of care for your loved one, obtaining a comprehensive care assessment by a professional, or other specific inquiries, we’re here to help.

To learn more about your senior loved one’s options, contact us today.

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