Home Care 101: ADLs & IADLs Explained

When families begin exploring home care for a loved one, two important terms often come up: ADLs and IADLs. These acronyms may sound technical, but they’re the foundation of understanding daily care needs and creating the right support plan.

What Are ADLs in Home Care?

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the essential self-care tasks most people do each day. When an older adult struggles with ADLs, it’s often a sign that in-home care may be needed.

The six core ADLs include:

• Bathing & Personal Hygiene – Washing, grooming, and staying clean.
• Dressing – Choosing appropriate clothes and putting them on.
• Eating – The ability to feed oneself (not cooking).
• Toileting – Getting to and from the bathroom and managing continence.
• Transferring – Moving safely from bed to chair, or standing and sitting.
• Continence – Maintaining control of bladder and bowel function.

Assistance with ADLs often requires hands-on help from a professional care partner, such as support with bathing or mobility to reduce fall risks.

What Are IADLs and Why Are They Important?

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are tasks that allow a person to live independently at home and in the community. While ADLs focus on basic self-care, IADLs involve managing daily routines.

Common IADLs include:

• Meal Preparation – Planning, cooking, and serving food.
• Housekeeping – Laundry, cleaning, and household upkeep.
• Medication Management – Taking prescriptions correctly and on time.
• Transportation – Driving or arranging rides for errands and appointments.
• Managing Finances – Paying bills and handling money matters.
• Shopping – Purchasing groceries, clothing, or household items.
• Communication – Using the phone, email, or technology to stay connected.

If a loved one struggles with IADLs, they may still live at home but benefit greatly from supportive services that reduce stress and improve safety.

How Do ADLs and IADLs Affect Care Planning?

Understanding ADLs vs. IADLs is important because:

• Care Assessment – Home care agencies use them to design customized care plans.
• Insurance & Benefits – Many long-term care policies use ADL limitations to determine eligibility for coverage.
• Family Support – Knowing where help is needed guides decisions about caregiving responsibilities and professional assistance.

How Home Care Supports ADLs & IADLs

Non-medical home care providers specialize in assisting with both ADLs and IADLs. Care partners can provide:

• Hands-on support with bathing, dressing, and mobility.
• Meal preparation and medication reminders.
• Help with errands, light housekeeping, and transportation.

By building a care plan around ADLs and IADLs, families ensure loved ones maintain independence and quality of life while receiving safe, compassionate support.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADLs and IADLs

Q: What’s the difference between ADLs and IADLs?
A: ADLs are basic self-care tasks like bathing and eating, while IADLs are daily management tasks like cooking, shopping, and handling finances.

Q: How do I know if my parent needs help with ADLs or IADLs?
A: Signs include missed meals, difficulty bathing safely, piles of unpaid bills, or challenges with mobility. A home care assessment can clarify specific needs.

Q: Does insurance cover help with ADLs?
A: Some long-term care insurance and VA benefits cover assistance with ADLs. Coverage often depends on the number of ADLs someone struggles with.

Compassionate Home Care in San Diego

If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s ability to manage ADLs or IADLs, it may be time to explore in-home care.

Call Griswold Home Care North San Diego at 858-240-2074 today to learn how we help families navigate daily living tasks with dignity, safety, and compassion.