01
Level 1
Independent
Can perform a care task by themselves without direction or prompting
Understanding Everyday Care Needs
ADLs and IADLs Explained
Learn the similarities and differences of both, along with Levels of Assistance, also known as "Level of Care" or "Acuity". See how they matter to your family, Long Term Insurance reimbursement, VA Eligibility and your own care needs.
Levels of Assistance
Also known as "Level of Care" or "Acuity"
Your Family
Long Term Insurance
VA Eligibility
Your Care Needs
Understanding ADLs
Basic self-care tasks used to understand independence and care needs.
Activities of Daily Living
What are Activities of Daily Living?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are a standardized set of basic self-care tasks that are essential for an individual’s ability to live independently.
ADLs typically include fundamental or basic functions such as:
01
Bathing
Showers or sponge baths
02
Dressing
Choosing appropriate clothes and putting them on
03
Eating
Feeding oneself or need to be fed
04
Toileting and Continence
Using a toilet
05
Ambulating
Walking, need for a walker or wheelchair
06
Transferring
Moving from bed to chair, or standing
These activities are commonly used in healthcare, rehabilitation settings, LTC Insurance, the VA, and social services to assess a person’s functional status and determine the level of assistance or care they may require.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
What are IADLs?
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex daily tasks that allow a person to live independently in a community setting. Unlike basic self-care activities, IADLs require higher-level thinking skills such as organization, planning, and decision-making.
Independent Living Support
Everyday Independence
IADLs involve planning, organization and decision-making.
Recognizing Changing Care Needs
Difficulty with IADLs can be an early sign that someone may need additional support, even if they are still able to perform basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) independently.
Daily Independence
IADL tasks typically include:
01
Managing Finances
02
Transportation
Driving or using public transit
03
Shopping
Shopping for groceries or necessities
04
Preparing Meals
05
Managing Medications
06
Using Communication Devices
Using phones or computers
07
Maintaining the Home
Cleaning, laundry, basic upkeep, repairs
Understanding Care Needs
What are Levels of Function or Levels of Care?
These are the 4 Basic Levels of Functionality:
01
Independent
02
Hands on
Stand-By Assistance
03
Requires Assistance
Can be partial or full
04
Dependent
Levels of Functionality
Support increases as an individual requires more assistance with ADLs and IADLs.
Expanded Definitions
Levels of Functionality Expanded with Definitions
02
Level 2
Stand-By Assistance
Requires a caregiver to stand-by when a client is performing ADLs or IADLs, may require hands-on intervention or prompting
03
Level 3
Requires Assistance
Can be partial or full
Minimal Assistance (Companion Care)
Hands-on care with minimal assistance with ADLs or IADLs
Moderate Assistance (Personal Care)
Provides hands-on assistance with ADLs and IADLs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meal prep, and medication reminders
04
Level 4
Dependent
Requires ongoing, daily support with all ADLs and IADLs, often required for individuals with advanced Alzheimer’s or dementia or bedridden.
Understanding ADL Evaluations
What Long Term Care Insurance and the VA look at When Evaluating ADLs?
Basically, most LTC insurance or a VA Nurse evaluates the client to see if they require assistance with at least 2 out of the 6 ADLs. Some LTC insurance companies will either send out a nurse or if the agency uses nurses for evaluations they may ask for the Initial Assessment or the latest Evaluation.
2
ADL Evaluation
Assistance with at least 2 out of the 6 ADLs
This is what most LTC insurance or a VA Nurse evaluates when reviewing a client’s level of assistance.
Evaluation Documents
Initial Assessment or Latest Evaluation
Some LTC insurance companies may send out a nurse or request an Initial Assessment or the latest Evaluation when the agency uses nurses for evaluations.
Levels of Assistance
What Qualifies as Assistance?
The following levels of support may be considered when evaluating assistance with ADLs.
Assistance Level 01
Stand By Assistance
01
Assistance Level 02
Requires Assistance
Partial or Full Assistance
02
Assistance Level 03
Dependent
03