Senior ADLs and IADLs
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Senior ADLs and IADLs
Life is an amazing experience. We all share some common ground, but a lot varies because of our ability, personality, and what simply makes us unique. Throughout our life, change is inevitable. What becomes important is being able to adapt to these changes. Even if it comes time for a little more help from senior or assisted living.
In this article, we explore some aspects of life that are affected by age. Though every person has different needs, it can serve as a guide to help an aging parent or senior loved one.
What are ADLs?
ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living, are considered the basic tasks people perform when caring for themselves. These are everyday things we all do, and most of us do not think twice about.
But aging may make some of these activities more difficult. These tasks include:
Mobility
Getting around your own home. This includes tasks like moving in and out of bed or seated positions. Lack of mobility can present other challenges. Without proper support, this can lead to falls and injuries.
Feeding
Not including meal preparation, the ability to feed oneself is imperative for health. If this is an issue, seniors may suffer from deteriorating health and nutrition.
Dressing
Selecting your own clothes and dressing yourself. This is a daily task that can become frustrating if you cannot do so by yourself.
Bathing
Bathing, or showering, is important for self-care and personal hygiene. The inability to clean oneself can lead to other issues and affect self-esteem.
Of course, every senior has a different level of required support. While some may need help with some things, others may need more comprehensive support.
What are IADLs?
IADLs are Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. These are tasks we learn to manage throughout our life that require more complex, involved thinking and organizational skills. Seniors may struggle with keeping up with their IADLs and need help.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living include:
Finances
This is a critical component in every adult’s life. Keeping track of bills, accounts, and other financial responsibilities can fall into disarray if a senior has trouble managing them.
Medications
Managing medications requires planning and a clear schedule. If a medication is not refilled or simply forgotten, it can worsen symptoms or affect a senior’s wellbeing.
Housekeeping
Maintaining a tidy home can become a burden to aging parents or seniors. The ability to perform household chores is affected by mobility and the ability to stand for a period of time.
Transportation
The ability to drive may diminish with age. This can become a concern if a senior lives by themselves or their partner has similar struggles with driving. Even if other means of transportation are involved, seniors may need occasional help.
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Why They Matter
ADLs and IADLs are a part of everyone’s life. Whether or not we think about them, they are simply a part of our everyday activities. So, when a person struggles in these tasks, they may become frustrated and suffer from other effects.
The key is to maintain ongoing communication with your senior loved ones. Staying informed of any struggles can go a long way towards getting the support they need at the right time.
When to Assess if a Senior Needs Help
It is not always clear when it is time to assess if a senior loved one may need a little extra help or if it is time to explore more involved care, like assisted living. But the time may be as soon as you notice struggles with ADLs or IADLs.
Whether you live with your senior loved one, or are in constant communication, monitor their daily ongoings to determine if it is time to discuss extra support.
How to Assess ADLs and IADLs
This requires an evaluation of a senior’s ability to perform ADLs and IADLs. Some signs are clear, if they struggle with getting out of bed or managing a shower. Others may require more involved evaluation. Like checking the status of their financial items.
The best way to determine if your loved one needs support, like assisted living, is to talk to them. Be honest with your questions and ask them to be honest with you. Needing help is not something to be ashamed of. It can be the difference between continuing to enjoy the things they love and struggling with daily living.
How a Professional can Help
If you are unsure where to start, talk to a professional.
Caregivers can provide insight to help find the support you and your loved one need. A professional has experience that is invaluable to help seniors find solutions that work for them. They can assess the situation and advise based on a senior’s needs.
Finding the Right Support
The right care is important for a senior family member. But how do you find the right care?
You can talk to us. Benton House offers a wealth of experience and resources when determining the right care for a senior loved one. We can help you explore your options to find the best solution. Even if Benton House is not your ultimate choice, we stand ready to help.
We strive to be a resource for seniors and their families to find the best care and support.
The Benton House Difference
Benton House is an award-winning provider of senior living, assisted living, and memory care solutions. We proudly serve residents and families through our communities in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Our difference lies in our approach to care and the efforts of an exceptional team. Because residents are more than just that, they are a part of our family. Where they bring knowledge and experience, and we bring respect and admiration.
A Balance of Independence and Support
An important part of our care approach is embracing individuality. We take the time to get to know every one of our residents. Which provides us with the opportunity to welcome them into our family and to learn their needs.
With this approach, we develop a plan of care that is tailored to meet the needs of each resident. Which ensures residents benefit from comprehensive support and can enjoy as much independence as possible. Care services support ADLs and IADLs as:
- Bathing: Our restrooms support independence and our services range from preparing bath items to dignified personal assistance
- Dressing: Services can be as simple as helping with socks, or as comprehensive as wardrobe selection and assistance dressing
- Mobility: Our team can help residents with transfers or walking
- Sensory Aids: We can help with the maintenance and cleaning of hearing aids, glasses, and other sensory support devices
- Medications: Benton House uses an advanced system for medication tracking and refills. Medications are delivered straight to the community
Explore our Communities!
The best way to learn more about Benton House communities is to talk to us!
Fill out the form found on this page, and one of our team members will contact you as soon as possible. You can also check out our communities to find your best option.
