Activities of Daily Living & Their Importance to Senior Health
American In-Home Care
For more information about the author, click to view their website: American In Home Care
Oct 18, 2022
Florida - Orlando , Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
There comes a point with aging when it becomes increasingly difficult to complete normal and important daily tasks on our own. People with Alzheimer’s or dementia usually need support to manage their daily routines, activities, and tasks, but needing help to complete daily activities isn’t limited to seniors with cognitive impairment. It is very common that as we begin to age, we begin to develop a range of issues that might make it difficult for us to complete our activities of daily living, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, broken bones, arthritis, general loss of muscle tone and balance, vision and hearing loss, and medication side effects, among many others.
What are activities of daily living, and what can we do to make sure these daily tasks that serve as early warning signs don't get overlooked?
What are ADLs and IADLs?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are the technical terms for the vital daily tasks and activities that we need to complete on a daily or weekly basis to live a healthy and fulfilled life. A healthy and independent adult should be able to complete the full range of activities in both of these categories. Once limitations begin to appear, and ADLs or IADLs begin to be neglected, long-term care becomes a viable option for providing help to complete the tasks.
Activities of Daily Living are the six essential skills that are needed to manage basic physical needs. These six essential skills include:
- Bathing: Maintaining good bathing and personal hygiene habits ensures that individuals feel relaxed, refreshed, healthy, and positive about their appearance. Bathing and personal hygiene are a vital part of a daily routine and are the first activity that should be looked at when assessing if a loved one is capable of providing care for themselves. If their hygiene or bathing habits begin to be neglected, an in-home care providers can assist with getting in and out of the shower or tub, help with physically bathing, washing, cleaning, toweling, and preparing to leave the bathroom.
- Toileting: Being able to use the bathroom independently is obviously an important daily task, one that will show if an individual is capable of living independently. Bathrooms can be dangerous and difficult to navigate as we begin to age, so if your loved one begins to be nervous to go to the bathroom alone, has to go extremely frequently, or has difficulty physically getting on and off the toilet, an in-home caregiver might be the best choice to assist them.
- Continence: To maintain day-to-day normalcy and independence an individual should be able to control their bowels and bladder fully. This can often be an embarrassing and difficult subject to speak about, but it is important that it is addressed. The underlying causes of incontinence can sometimes be reversed if the discussion is broached honestly and early.
- Feeding Yourself: This is mostly an issue for those suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia, where seniors can have trouble remembering to eat at all. Severe issues can also cause severe shaking or degraded hand-eye coordination that self-feeding can become nearly impossible. In these cases, an in-home care professional can assist with feeding an individual in need of care. Even if an individual doesn't require hands-on feeding, an in-home caregiver can also be helpful for preparing healthy, nutritious, and regular meals.
- Dressing: Dressing isn’t limited to just getting clothes on, it also means dressing appropriately for day-to-day activities. Independent seniors should be able to differentiate between what should be worn for different weather patterns, as it could be dangerous to go outside under or over-dressed. Adults should be able to handle fasteners, buttons, etc on their clothes without assistance to consider this skill as a pass.
- Mobility: Functional senior mobility doesn’t necessarily mean running a marathon or going outside to shoot the basketball around. You should be able to get yourself out of bed in the morning and start your day without any major physical setbacks. Essentially, as long as you can move around your house without direct assistance, this skill is a pass overall.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex actions that involve important parts of day-to-day living. Examples of a few major ones include:
- Meal Preparation: Even before physically cooking a meal, the knowledge of how it is done and recalling recipes come into play. For seniors suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia, this hurdle alone may be too much to get over. Physically, you must be able to make measurements, handle hot stoves, reach into cabinets, and lift potentially heavy ingredient bags. You must also be mentally healthy enough to remember recipes and plan out nutritious and healthy meals for the day or week. What this skill boils down to is whether or not you can cook healthy food consistently enough to maintain a balanced diet.
- Housekeeping: Senior homes that are neglected for long periods of time quickly become extremely dangerous to live in. Eventually, simply walking around can become a serious hazard if you aren’t capable of simple housekeeping and cleanup. Hundreds of thousands of seniors are injured annually in falls, and illnesses that result from those falls can often be fatal. If you are unable to maintain a well-kept home, an in-home care professional to help with cleaning and maintaining the home is the best course of action.
- Transportation: Both mobility and challenges with short-term memory can make transportation a challenge for seniors. Being able to get around outside the home to buy groceries, go to the doctor, and visit family and friends are all extremely important factors in a senior’s continuing health, and they all depend on having access to safe transportation. In-home care professionals can assist you with traveling in your car, securing your trip, and making sure you get to your destination and back home safely.
Why are ADLs and IADLs Relevant?
Most doctors agree that if a person declines enough (either cognitively or physically) that they can no longer perform an ADL or IADL on their own, this should be taken seriously. It is very common that once one skill is failed the others will soon follow, unless the cause of the issue is addressed quickly. ADLs represent the first warnings of potentially serious issues and should never be ignored.
It is important to check in with your aging loved ones regularly to assess their condition. If you begin to notice any of the vital tasks (IADLs and ADLs) that are starting to be neglected, it is time to have a discussion about in-home care. Securing in-home care from a trusted provider is the best way to ensure that the quality of life or safety of your loved one does not decline in conjunction with the loss of these day-to-day skills.
American In-Home Care and our sister companies Advocate, Douglas, and Whitsyms always refer qualified, and screened care providers for home health care in Tampa and surrounding areas that are compassionate and ready to help assist with activities of daily living. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.
Other Articles You May Like
Two Sisters, Two Financial Journeys
Sisters Pam and Paula both started their investment journey five years ago, each inheriting and investing $100,000. Although they chat frequently discussions about finances are rare, until today.Paula initiated the conversation, asking, Hows your investment account holding up with all this uncertainty?Pam replied, Despite the markets rollercoaster ride, my portfolio has grown by $22,000. My advisor assures me everything is fine, and I shouldnt make any changes. You know I prefer not to dwell on that stuff. What about you?Paula beamed, Mine is up nearly $57,000! Ive used some of it to support my daughters college expenses and renovated my loft to create more space for my art projects. She continued, My advisor employs a strategy that allows me to choose how much loss I want to be reimbursed for. This means my account grows more effectively new gains actually add to my portfolio value instead of just offsetting prior losses.Pams eyes widened in surprise, You get reimbursed for losses?Yes! Paula replied enthusiastically. Plus, I can profit even in a down market, and my gains grow tax-deferred, just like my IRA.Pam realized this could be the key to enhancing her own financial success. Paula, you had mentioned you were going to approach investing differently, and it sounds amazing! I wish I had asked you for details sooner. Id really like to speak with your advisor.Of course, Pam! Heres his contact information, Paula said with a smile.The conversation opened Pam's eyes to new possibilities. Inspired by Paula's success, she felt motivated to take action to improve her investment strategy.If you're curious about Paulas advisor and how you might benefit from a similar approach, just reply to this email!Looking forward to hearing from you!
Why I Believe Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment
If youve been paying attention to the housing market lately, youve probably seen a lot of noise. Are prices going to drop? Will mortgage rates ever come down? Is a crash coming?With so much uncertainty in the headlines, it's completely normal to feel hesitant about buying a home right now. But as someone who lives and breathes real estate every day, let me tell you this: Real estate has always been a long-term game, and its still one of the smartest investments you can make.What the Numbers SayAccording to the latest Gallup poll, Americans have named real estate the best long-term investment for the 12th consecutive year. Thats more than a decade of outperforming stocks, gold, and bonds in the eyes of everyday investors. And this years vote came right after a shaky month for the stock and bond markets, further proving just how resilient real estate is.As Gallup put it:Amid volatility in the stock and bond markets in April, Americans preference for stocks as the best long-term investment has declined. Gold has gained in appeal, while real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year.Even in times of uncertainty, real estate continues to earn peoples trustand for good reason.Real Estate = Steady, Long-Term GrowthUnlike the fast ups and downs of stocks or crypto, real estate tends to grow steadily over time. Yes, we may see some markets cool or experience short-term corrections. But if you zoom out and look at the big picture, the long-term trend remains solid: home values rise over time.If you plan to live in your home for several years or treat it as a long-term investment, the potential for wealth-building is real. You're not just buying a place to liveyou're building equity, creating stability, and investing in your financial future.Why Homeownership Still Makes SenseEven in a market filled with mixed messages, homeownership continues to be a powerful tool for building wealth. As Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American, put it:A home is more than just a place to liveits often a familys most valuable financial asset and a cornerstone to building long-term wealth.That's something I see every day working with clients, especially those who bought years ago and are now enjoying the financial stability and equity growth that real estate provides.What This Means for YouReal estate isnt about chasing quick winsits about building long-term security.So if youre on the fence about buying because of headlines or market jitters, I encourage you to look beyond the short-term noise. The numbersand historyconsistently show that real estate is one of the most reliable long-term investments you can make.If you want to talk more about how real estate can work for youwhether its a cozy new home, a low-maintenance 55+ community, or a smart investment property, Im here to help.Lets connect and start planning your next smart move
The Benefits of Adult Day Programs for Seniors & Caregivers
Caring for an aging loved one is both an act of love and a daily challenge. While many families strive to keep their senior family members at home, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming. Thats where adult day programs come in. These structured programs offer safe, engaging environments for seniors during the day while giving family caregivers a much-needed break.In this blog, well explore what adult day programs are, how they benefit both seniors and caregivers, and how to find the right one for your loved ones needs.What Are Adult Day Programs?Adult day programs are community-based services that provide supervised care and social activities for older adults during daytime hours. These programs typically operate Monday through Friday and may be held in senior centers, healthcare facilities, or standalone locations.The focus is on promoting social interaction, supporting physical and mental health, and allowing seniors to enjoy a routine while still living at home. Services can include meals, transportation, exercise sessions, health monitoring, memory care activities, and more.Benefits for SeniorsAdult day programs can greatly enhance a seniors quality of life. They offer structure and stimulation, which are especially valuable for seniors who may otherwise feel isolated or experience cognitive decline. Daily interaction with peers and staff can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, keeping seniors more emotionally balanced and mentally alert.Many adult day programs also offer specialized memory care services tailored to individuals with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia. This structured setting supports brain health and provides therapeutic activities designed to slow cognitive decline.For seniors with mobility challenges or chronic health issues, these programs often include basic medical supervision, therapy, and assistance with daily living tasks. Participation encourages independence, provides a sense of purpose, and promotes emotional well-being.Benefits for CaregiversFamily caregivers, especially those caring for loved ones full-time, often face physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and social isolation. Adult day programs provide them with valuable time to rest, attend to personal responsibilities, or even return to work part-timewithout worrying about their loved ones safety or well-being.Knowing that your senior is in good hands gives peace of mind. Many caregivers report reduced stress levels, better mental health, and improved relationships with their loved ones once adult day care becomes part of their care routine.Affordable and Flexible CareOne of the most appealing aspects of adult day programs is affordability. Compared to in-home care or residential facilities, adult day care is often a more cost-effective option. Families can choose how many days a week their loved one attends, allowing for flexibility based on personal schedules and budget.Adult day programs also serve as a transitional step. For families not yet ready to consider assisted living or skilled nursing care, day programs provide a supportive bridge that helps prolong independence and maintain family unity.Choosing the Right Adult Day ProgramNot all adult day programs are the same. Some focus on medical care, others on social enrichment or memory support. When selecting a program, consider your loved ones physical needs, cognitive abilities, personality, and interests. Here are some key questions to ask:What services are included in the daily schedule?Is transportation available?What kind of staff training and experience do caregivers have?How are emergencies handled?Are meals and snacks providedand can dietary needs be accommodated?Are activities culturally and age-appropriate?Visiting the facility, speaking with staff, and reading reviews can help you feel confident in your decision.Support from Seniors Blue BookAt Seniors Blue Book, we make it easy to explore your local options. Our free directory connects you with reputable adult day programs, senior housing, home health care, and a wide range of elder-focused services. Whether youre just beginning to explore care options or need immediate solutions, were here to guide you every step of the way.Our website also offers helpful articles and educational resources for both seniors and caregivers, so you can make informed choices that reflect your familys needs and values.ConclusionAdult day programs offer a win-win solution: seniors benefit from social connection and structured care, while caregivers get the relief, they need to maintain their own health and well-being. Its not just about managing careits about enhancing life for everyone involved.At Seniors Blue Book, we believe that access to trusted, local resources should be easy and empowering. Thats why our listings are always free, and our mission is to help you find what you need, when you need it most.Ready to explore adult day programs or other senior care services in your area? Contact us at hello@seniorsbluebook.com or call 800-201-9989 for a free consultation and care assessment. Let us help you find the right fit, provide personalized recommendations, and offer tips you can start using today. Together, we can make caregiving more manageable and aging more fulfilling.
Local Services By This Author
American In-Home Care
Respite Care 510 County Road 466, Lady Lake, Florida, 32159Contact us for a Free Consultation with a local Care Liaison. We help clients live at home by matching them with the best referred Care Providers for their situation, we guarantee it. Services can include Companion Care, Personal Care, Live-in Care, Alzheimers Care, Respite Care, and Assistance with Daily Activities.