What are IADLs?
Understanding IADLs for Safer, More Confident Independent Living

IADLs, or instrumental activities of daily living, are those everyday chores that keep life running smoothly, like cooking, paying bills, and using the phone.

They are different from basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. For older adults and the family member who loves them, noticing changes in IADLs can be a caring way to protect safety, independence, and quality of life.

What Are IADLs and How Are They Different From Basic ADLs?

IADLs are the complex tasks that support independent living. They use planning, organizing, and problem-solving, and they often show how well self-care and daily life are going overall.

Basic activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, walking, and eating. These basic ADLs reflect hands-on personal care. IADLs, in contrast, involve more complex tasks like shopping or handling money. Healthcare providers, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals look at both IADLs and ADLs to judge the right level of care in a geriatric assessment. The Cleveland Clinic gives a helpful overview of activities of daily living and IADLs.

Common Examples of IADLs in Daily Life

Common examples of IADLs include meal preparation, shopping, managing medications and broader medication management, using public transportation or driving, handling money and bills, home maintenance and housekeeping, using the phone or technology, and organizing home health visits.

When these complex tasks go well, independent living usually feels comfortable and safe. When they become harder, both older adults and caregivers may notice strain in everyday routines and overall well-being.

Why IADLs Matter for Safety, Self-Care, and Quality of Life

Changes in IADLs can be early signs of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, or other geriatric health conditions, even when basic activities of daily living and personal care still look fine.

Because IADLs involve judgment and memory, they reflect how well someone manages complex parts of daily life. Paying attention to IADLs supports self-care, dignity, and long-term quality of life without shame or blame.

Early Signs Families and Caregivers Can Watch For

Caregivers might spot unpaid bills, missed medications, spoiled food, confusion about public transportation, or a clear decline in home maintenance. A loved one may seem more withdrawn or overwhelmed by everyday paperwork.

Healthcare providers often combine self-report questions with observations from caregivers, a family member, or home health staff to understand what is really happening at home. These changes are a signal to talk with healthcare professionals and adjust support, not a sign of failure.

How Professionals Use IADL Scales to Plan Support

Many teams use the Lawton-Brody IADL scale, also called the instrumental activities of daily living scale, to see which tasks someone can still manage on their own. Occupational therapists, nurses, and other healthcare staff use this IADL scale to guide interventions and care plans. You can read more in the American Psychological Association’s summary of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale.

These tools highlight patterns and give structure to the “examples of IADLs” you may already notice at home.

Supporting IADLs While Respecting Independence

Support works best when it feels like a partnership. The goal is to match help to the person’s needs and level of care so older adults stay in charge of their choices for as long as possible.

Families, home health services, and senior communities can share the load, focusing on safety, well-being, and independence instead of taking over every task.

Simple Interventions That Make Daily Life Easier

Small interventions can protect independence. Pill organizers, reminder calls, and pharmacy delivery can help with managing medications. Help with meal preparation and grocery shopping keeps nutrition on track. Rides from friends or car services reduce stress when public transportation feels confusing.

In-home support with housekeeping, home maintenance, and laundry can prevent accidents. Gentle help with personal hygiene, toileting, and other personal care needs often improves comfort and confidence.

When to Consider an Independent Living Community

If IADLs and some basic ADLs become too stressful for an older adult or their caregivers, a service-rich independent living community can ease the pressure. Meals, transportation, and upkeep are handled, while residents still design their own days.

Communities such as The Gatesworth can partner with healthcare providers and families to align services, care plans, and social life with each resident’s abilities and preferences.

Contact The Gatesworth

IADLs offer a clear picture of how safely and comfortably an older adult can live on their own. When you notice changes, bring them to healthcare professionals and occupational therapists, and ask about home health, geriatric assessment, and other supports for cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s concerns.

If you or a loved one would feel safer with more daily support and social connection, personal care services that protect independence at The Gatesworth can be part of a thoughtful independent living plan that honors choice, comfort, and dignity.