The ADLs Checklist

ADLs are crucial for assessing basic independence:

• Personal Hygiene: Bathing, grooming, and oral care.
• Dressing: Choosing and wearing appropriate clothing independently.
• Eating: Feeding oneself, even if meals are pre-prepared.
• Toileting: Using the bathroom and cleaning after themselves without guidance.
• Mobility: Moving between rooms, getting out of bed, and walking.

A person’s ability to perform these tasks influences whether they require support from a caregiver, reside in a senior nursing home, and assisted living facilities, or manage independently.

Why Are IADLs Important? 
According to these 2022 statistics, Malaysia’s ageing population is growing, with over 7% aged 65 and older. Based on the United Nations definition, Malaysia has become an ageing society.

IADLs scores can guide families in deciding whether an elderly loved one needs help from a professional caregiver or senior assisted living facilities. While too much assistance can reduce their sense of independence, too little may jeopardise safety.

IADLs also help assess cognitive health, including early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Families looking for private caregivers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities often use IADL assessments to gauge the right level of care.

Using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale
Developed by Lawton, this scale takes 10 to 15 minutes and measures IADLs through an 8-item questionnaire, with scores ranging from 0 (lowest functioning) to 8 (highest functioning). The caregiver, senior, individuals in hospitals, or short-term care can try this assessment. For those in independent living and assisted living facilities, this scale provides crucial insights into your loved one’s care needs.

Families can also use online tools to assess their loved ones’ IADLs. However, detailed tests by professionals provide more accurate results. Speak to our Care Advisors to learn more about the assessment for your senior loved ones.

Tips for Caregivers
If you’re assessing ADLs and IADLs for a loved one, here are some tips:

• Observe their daily routine over time to get an accurate picture of how they’re behaving differently. Get observations from your family members and neighbours.
• Avoid binary answers (“yes” or “no”); instead, assess on a spectrum. Your loved one maybe can do a “little bit” of activity.
• Be patient—completing a task slowly doesn’t mean they’re incapable. Many seniors have better cognitive abilities in the morning.
• Consider health conditions like fatigue or temporary illnesses that might impair your senior’s abilities to do certain tasks.
• Understand the goal of the assessment. Is it to determine the senior’s ability to live independently or, need home caregiving services or senior assisted living facilities?
• Encourage independence by offering tools or slight assistance rather than taking over tasks.

6 Ways to Improve IADLs for Better Independence
Helping your loved ones maintain their IADLs can improve their quality of life:

• Daily Exercise: Even short walks can enhance mobility and health. More mobility = less cost for healthcare.
• Mental Stimulation: Research has shown that crosswords or puzzles help maintain cognitive sharpness.
• Healthy Diet: Nutritious meals boost energy and support longevity.
• Assistance Devices: Tools like grab rails and commode chairs make daily tasks easier.
• Easy-to-wear Clothing: Slip-ons and zippers make dressing a breeze so avoid those with complicated buttons.
• Professional Help: Hiring  caregivers can support activities like meal prep and housekeeping while therapists can help improve speech and mobility.

Ageing brings unique challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to embrace support systems like a professional caregiver, private nurse, and assisted living services. Regular assessments of ADLs and IADLs can determine if living alone is safe or if a move to nursing homes and assisted living facilities is the right choice.

With proper care, seniors can maintain their dignity, happiness, and independence for as long as possible.

Contact Us Today
If you’re looking for a long-term or part-time carer for the elderly and home nursing services, we provide caregivers, private nurses, and therapists in Malaysia. Contact our Care Advisors at 1300 22 8822 or message us using the chat box on this page. Let us provide your loved ones with the care they deserve.