Independent Living - ADL'S and IADL'S

In today's society, there are many options when itDriving, Preparing Meals, Doing Housework, Shopping,
comes to the care of our parents or grandparents.Managing Finances, Managing Medication, Using the
The need for placement in a nursing home can beTelephone.
minimal when families become aware of the changesKnowing the signs that assistance may be needed-
that start to happen in a senior persons life.withdrawn from family and friends, weight loss, poor
Adressing small problems early on can prevent themappetite, poor hygiene, withdrawn from activities,
from turning into bigger problems or falls that aredepression, loss of physical and mental abilities.
always preventable.Realizing that our loved one's may not want to ask
ADL'S are activities of everyday living. They are skillsfor help, it is important to pick up on any changes
that we use and rely upon everyday. Sometimesthat might be happening in their life. Providing
these activities can become a struggle for the elderly.assistance early on, can ensure that things will be
Families should be aware of signs that their loved onemuch easier later down the line and a family may
may need assistance. Studies have shown thatavoid the need for their loved one to be placed in a
assistance with ADL'S provide a better quality of lifefacility. In-home care can alleviate the burden while
helping your loved one maintain an independentalso helping their loved one be safe and have more
quality of life in their own home. There is also aindependence everyday while providing the assistance
higher rate of recuperation after a hospital stay orthey may need but not want to ask for on their
illness when assistance is provided.own. This can help a family focus on their daily life as
The need for placement in a nursing facility iswell, and help them spend quality time with their
eliminated alleviating the stress and anxiety for theloved one while easing the stress that can be placed
family and their loved one.on a family at difficult times. Shouldn't your loved one
ADL'S (Activities of Daily Living) are Ambulatingbe able to remain in the comfort of their own home?
(walking), Transferring (Getting up from a chair),With so many choices that are available today,
Dressing, Eating, Drinking, Personal Hygiene, Takingconsider all of your options for your loved one's care,
medication.and provide them with the best.
IADL'S (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) are