In short
Instrumental activities of daily living, or IADLs, are the tasks needed to live independently: preparing meals, shopping, housework and laundry, managing money, taking medicines correctly, using the phone and getting around. They take planning and memory, so they often slip before basic self-care does. Help with IADLs is usually the first kind of help at home.
The common IADLs
- Preparing meals
- Shopping for groceries and household items
- Housework and laundry
- Managing money and paying bills
- Taking medicines on time and at the right dose
- Using the phone
- Driving or arranging transportation
The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing lists heavy housework, shopping, managing finances and telephoning among the instrumental activities.
Why IADLs slip first
IADLs combine several steps, planning and memory. A parent who can still dress and bathe may struggle to follow a recipe, keep track of appointments or notice an unusual bill. Watch for unopened mail, late notices, spoiled food, missed refills, or new dents in the car.
Help that fits IADL needs
The National Institute on Aging suggests practical help at this stage: grocery and pharmacy delivery, a housekeeper, rides from neighbors, volunteers or local transportation services, and a trusted person to help with finances. Your local Area Agency on Aging, found through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, can point you to services nearby.
Questions families ask
What are examples of IADLs?
Cooking, shopping, housework, laundry, managing money, taking medicines, using the phone and transportation.
Are IADLs or ADLs lost first?
IADLs usually slip first because they need more planning and memory than basic self-care.
Does home care help with IADLs?
Yes. Companion and homemaker services typically cover meals, errands, housework and reminders.
How do I check my parent's IADLs?
Use our ADL and IADL checklist and repeat it every few months so you can see changes.