If you’re helping a loved one figure out if they need extra care, you’ve probably heard the terms ADLs vs IADLs thrown around. But what do those letters mean? In this blog, our team will be breaking down the difference between ADL and IADL in simple terms.
At Roselani Place in Kahului, we aim to help families make informed decisions about care. Let’s dive in!
What Are ADLs?
ADLs, or activities of daily living, refer to the basic tasks we perform daily to maintain our personal care. Think of them as the essentials. Examples of ADLs include:
- Bathing or showering
- Getting dressed
- Eating meals
- Using the bathroom
- Moving around safely (like getting in and out of bed)
- Controlling bladder and bowel movements
According to the CDC, about one in five adults over 65 — roughly 10 million people — have significant difficulty or are unable to manage at least one daily activity independently. When that happens, having some extra help, such as the kind you get with long-term care ADL support in assisted living communities, can make all the difference.
What Are IADLs?
IADLs stand for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. These are everyday tasks that aren’t quite as basic, but are just as important for living independently. Here are some examples of IADLs:
- Managing medications
- Cooking meals
- Paying bills and handling money
- Grocery shopping
- Using the phone or technology
- Getting to appointments or social events
- Doing laundry and light housework
The National Institute on Aging says trouble with IADLs usually shows up before problems with basic daily tasks. Research shows that falls, hospital stays, or movement issues can also lead to difficulties with tasks, like eating or dressing yourself. Plus, not moving enough makes us more likely to lose mobility as we age. If someone’s having a hard time with IADLs, it might be a sign they’ll need extra help soon to stay independent.
Why Does Knowing the Difference Matter?
Understanding the distinction between ADLs and IADLs is one of the most effective ways to ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve. For example, assisted living at Roselani Place focuses on helping with ADLs for long-term care—like bathing and dressing—while encouraging residents to stay as independent as possible.
Memory care, meanwhile, supports people who need help with both ADLs and IADLs, especially when cognitive issues make everyday tasks harder. Our specialized team is trained to provide just the right kind of care for each person’s needs.
How This Affects Safety and Care
Falls are a big risk for older adults, who can struggle with ADLs or IADLs. The CDC says that one in four older adults falls every year, which can lead to serious injuries. Having the right help can make a huge difference.
In addition, caring for someone with ADL and IADL needs can be tough on families. In fact, the AARP reported that half of caregivers say it ramps up their emotional stress, and more than a third feel it physically, too. Younger caregivers and women often feel it even more, with nearly four in 10 saying they rarely feel relaxed. That’s exactly why communities like Roselani Place are so important—to help lighten the load and provide the support families need.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the difference between ADLs vs IADLs is one of the best ways to make sure your loved one receives the care they deserve. Whether it’s help with basic personal care or managing daily tasks, Roselani Place offers assisted living and memory care services tailored for each person. If you want to learn more about how we support families here in Kahului, just ask—we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between ADL and IADL?
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) are the basic self-care tasks most people do every day, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) are more complex tasks that help a person live independently, like managing medications, cooking meals, shopping, and handling transportation.
Why are ADLs important for long-term care?
ADLs help determine the level of personal care a person may need. When someone has difficulty with these everyday tasks, it can be a sign they may benefit from additional support—such as assisted living or memory care services—to stay healthy and secure.
Can someone have trouble with IADLs but still be independent?
Yes. Challenges with IADLs often appear before any difficulty with ADLs. This may mean a person could use occasional help while still managing many daily activities on their own.
How does Roselani Place support residents with ADLs and IADLs?
Roselani Place offers personalized assistance for residents who need help with both ADLs and IADLs, including those in memory care. Our team helps with bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as medication reminders, meal preparation, laundry, and transportation to appointments, supporting each resident’s independence while ensuring they remain comfortable and secure.
Care Every Step of the Way with Roselani Place
Understanding the difference between ADLs vs IADLs helps families become more informed in choosing the right care for their loved one. At Roselani Place, we provide personalized assisted living and memory care designed to support residents requiring both ADL and IADL help. Contact us to learn how Roselani Place can support your loved one’s independence and well-being in Kahului.