What it means
Activities that take planning and thinking skills, beyond basic self-care. They include using the phone, shopping, preparing meals, housekeeping, laundry, getting around in the community, taking medicines correctly and managing money. They are often the first abilities lost in early dementia or after an illness. Basic self-care tasks, such as bathing and eating, are activities of daily livingak-TIV-ih-teez uv DAY-lee LIV-ingThe basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.Full entry .
For the nurse
Assess IADLs before discharge to judge whether the client can manage safely at home and what help or services are needed.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | IADLs |
|---|---|
| Also written | instrumental activity of daily living, IADL, IADLs |
Related terms
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
functional ability
How well a person can carry out everyday activities and tasks on their own.