One of the most difficult parts of getting old is the eventuality of not being able to do important tasks with ease and some level of confidence. This is especially true for people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. As such, these types of patients require help and support to complete their daily tasks. The task of helping people perform their daily routines fall into two categories and they are (1) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and (2) Instrumental Activities for Daily Living (IADLs).
It is crucial to take note that both are necessary so that an individual can function on a daily basis with ease and comfort. Many in-home care facilities provide individuals who require assistance with ADLs and IADLs based on their specific needs and requirements. If you have an elderly loved one requiring care and assistance, then it is important that you understand the difference between the two concepts.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
The activities that fall into this category basically involve all tasks that are needed to be performed in order for the patient to survive comfortably. It is often provided by a non-medical staff (usually a Certified Nursing Assistant) from an in-home care agency. These include activities below:
- Mobility: Many advanced patients often have problems with mobility. Things like getting out of the bed, walking to the bathroom and walking to several rooms in the house can be very hard for an elderly person. An in-home care professional assists the individual especially if the loved ones are unable to provide the care required for the elderly.
- Toilet and Bathing: Toilet needs are necessary. With the high risk for falls and slips, it is important to have someone assist senior patients when nature calls. However, it is important to take note that assisting them while using the toilet should be done with respect so that they still get dignity while being assisted. It is also important to install safety structures such as non-slip mats and bars to improve the safety inside the bathroom.
- Personal Hygiene: Daily grooming is an important ADLs that needs to be done regularly. This involves brushing teeth, wearing clean clothes, and basically maintaining a cleanliness. An in-home care professional is adept not only at helping the elderly do these things but also careful with their feelings.
- Feeding: People need to feed in order to survive but some elderly patients are no longer capable to feed themselves. People with dementia and Alzheimer’s need assistance when it comes to feeding.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Activities that are under IADLs are specific types of ADLs. These activities are very instrumental in the life of a person but do not necessarily involve personal activities such as those mentioned earlier. Below are the types of that are considered IADLs.
- Meal Preparation: It is important for the patient to eat nutritious and delicious food thus an in-home care professional prepares food that can keep the person healthy. The thing is that it is not every day that a patient relies on takeouts or deliveries.
- Housekeeping: Light housekeeping is a very important IADL. An elderly who is barely able to move have a potentially high risk for hazards if they live in an unclean home. Thus, in-home care professionals can ensure that the home is clean and safe by taking active steps such as doing light cleaning and removing debris on the floor. The main purpose of doing light housekeeping is to prevent falls and other injuries caused by a messy house.
- Transportation: Elderly patients have difficulty with mobility and their failing memories often make the simplest trips such as going to the doctor or grocery shopping impossible. In-home care professionals can direct help with making travel reservations or even drive the patient to where they need to go.
Both ADLs and IADLs are very important for seniors who have failing health and memories. They need assistance from people to perform tasks that are important for their survival. It is important that you consider getting the services of an in-home care professional near you. To know more about the types of services that they provide, Choose Comfort Home today.
