Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL's) are just as important as basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) but are often not emphasized as much.  Here are some Instrumental ADLs and factors OT’s can assess for each:

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Meal preparation: safety, joint protection, problem solving, clean up, storage of food and kitchenware

 

Money management: budgeting, saving, spending, safety (avoiding identify theft/scams)

 

Housework: energy conservation, safety, body mechanics, planning

 

Shopping: problem solving, money management, organization, decision making

 

Medication management: scheduling, accuracy

 

Telephone use: dialing, answering, proper hanging up, emergency phone list

 

Use of other technology: cordless phones, cell phones, computer use

 

Safety: proper shoe wear, first-aid, caregiver education about home safety.

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Other IADL to evaluate are community mobility and care of others (this could include babysitting a grandchild, caring for a sick spouse or caring for pets).

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