Why Are ADLs and IADLs Significant for Seniors?

The two main types of activities, activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), are important metrics for family caregivers to consider. These activities help family caregivers determine how much help seniors need, in what areas they need that help, and keep up with changes in ability over time. Home care providers can offer a lot of help assessing these activities and putting together a care plan.

Determining Where Seniors Need Help

Every senior has unique needs. Some may have trouble with daily tasks like getting out of bed, showering, and getting dressed. Others may have difficulty preparing meals and keeping up with laundry. These types of tasks fall under the categories of ADLs and IADLs, and elder care services can help with all of these concerns. Understanding where seniors need help refines the types of assistance that professional caregivers can offer.

Deciding How Much Help Seniors Need

Just as seniors need help with different types of tasks while they age in place, they also need different degrees of assistance, sometimes from one day to another. The beauty of home care services is that professional caregivers offer just the help that is needed when seniors need it. On days that seniors can handle specific tasks on their own, they’re not forced to accept help they don’t need.

Talking About Preferences

It’s so important for seniors to feel that their preferences are being heard and respected. Senior care providers want to help seniors in the ways that matter most to them. Seniors who struggle with mobility may want to have reminders about using assistive devices, but may not want hands-on help from someone just yet. Other important preferences can help make sure seniors eat healthy meals that they love or bathe on a schedule they choose.

Putting Together Care Plans

Care plans ensure that everyone involved knows what the senior receiving care needs and wants. These plans might be informal enough that they’re just a few notes in a binder. But other care plans might be very involved and spell out every detail. The difference is whether the senior receiving care needs a care plan to be that specific.

Monitoring Changes Over Time

As seniors continue to age in place, they’re going to experience changes. Their health may change, they may have new challenges, and they may need more help than ever. Home care providers can work with families to help them keep track of those changes so that they’re less of a surprise when they occur. The care that elder care services offer can change to keep up with those changes, ensuring that seniors don’t feel as if they’re not supported.

Paying close attention to how well seniors are able to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living allows family caregivers to better meet their needs consistently. Home care providers can offer a lot of help with assessing these various activities and abilities, making sure seniors get the help they need.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Osakis, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today.
Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us today at (320) 352-3350