ADLs vs IADLs: Understanding Daily Living Activities in Dementia Care

Team Writer
Aug 1
3 min read

Caring for someone with Dementia means understanding how their daily life changes over time. Two important terms often used in Dementia care are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living).

Knowing the difference between ADLs and IADLs can help caregivers track Dementia progression, plan care, and support independence for as long as possible.

What Are ADLs? (Activities of Daily Living)

ADLs are basic self-care tasks we all do every day. These are the essential activities needed to survive and stay healthy.

Examples of ADLs:

Eating – Feeding oneself without help.
Bathing and grooming – Taking showers, brushing teeth, and combing hair.
Dressing – Putting on clothes, managing buttons and zippers.
Toileting – Using the bathroom and cleaning afterward.
Mobility and transferring – Walking, getting in and out of bed or chairs.
Continence – Controlling bladder and bowel movements.

If someone struggles with ADLs, they often need hands-on caregiver support.

What Are IADLs?

IADLs are more complex tasks that allow someone to live independently in the community. These activities require thinking, planning, and organization.

Examples of IADLs:

Cooking and meal preparation – Planning and making healthy meals.
Managing medications – Taking the right pills at the right times.
Housekeeping and laundry – Cleaning and maintaining a safe home.
Handling money – Budgeting, paying bills, and shopping.
Transportation – Driving, taking public transit, or arranging rides.
Communication – Using a phone, computer, or email to stay connected.

People can often live independently with some help for IADLs, while ADL problems usually mean more full-time care is needed.

How Dementia Affects ADLs and IADLs

Dementia changes the brain, making it harder to remember, think, and plan. IADLs are usually affected first, followed by ADLs as Dementia progresses.

Early Stages: IADLs Decline First

Forgetting to pay bills or take medications.
Leaving food cooking on the stove or skipping meals.
Difficulty planning grocery shopping or following recipes.

Since IADLs require more problem-solving and memory skills, caregivers often notice changes in these activities before basic self-care declines.

Later Stages: ADLs Become Harder

Forgetting how to dress correctly.
Needing help with bathing or using the toilet.
Trouble eating, drinking, or walking safely.

This shift signals the need for increased caregiver support or professional Dementia care.

Why Understanding ADLs vs IADLs Matters in Dementia Care

Tracking which activities are getting harder can help families:

Recognize early signs of Dementia progression.
Plan for the right type of care at the right time.
Maintain independence for as long as possible.

In early Dementia, caregivers can focus on IADL support—such as medication reminders or help with cooking. In later Dementia, the focus shifts to ADL support—such as feeding, dressing, and bathing assistance.

Caregiver Tips for Supporting ADLs and IADLs in Dementia

1. Encourage Independence

Lay out clothes in the correct order to help with dressing.
Give step-by-step instructions for bathing or cooking.
Use simple tools like pill organizers or labeled drawers.

2. Adapt the Home Environment

Remove clutter to prevent falls.
Post visual reminders for daily routines.
Use easy-to-open containers and assistive devices.

3. Be Patient and Supportive

Dementia changes the way the brain processes information. Tasks that seem simple to you may feel overwhelming to your loved one. Be calm, patient, and offer gentle guidance to protect dignity.

The Takeaway: ADLs, IADLs, and Dementia Care

Understanding ADLs vs IADLs is key to providing effective Dementia care.

IADLs decline first, signaling early Dementia changes.
ADLs decline later, requiring more hands-on help.
Supporting independence, adapting the environment, and staying patient are essential caregiver strategies.

With the right approach, people with Dementia can continue to live with comfort and dignity.

Need Help With Dementia Care?

At Dementia Society of America®, we provide resources, education, and support for families and caregivers.

Visit DementiaSociety.org to learn more about Dementia care strategies, support groups, and helpful tools for caregivers.

Author: AI-Assisted Human-Edited Staff Writer

We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, paid or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org