---
title: "Instrumental activities of daily living: Definition"
description: "Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks needed to live on your own, such as managing money, taking medicines, cooking, housekeeping,..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/instrumental-activities-of-daily-living/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks needed to live on your own, such as managing money, taking medicines, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, and using transportation or a phone. They are more complex than basic self-care. Trouble with them often appears before trouble with ADLs.

## Why it matters for your family

IADL changes are often the first sign that help is needed. Unpaid bills, spoiled food, missed refills, or a messy home can show that thinking or health has changed. A person may still bathe and dress alone while struggling with these tasks. Companion care often covers IADLs, such as meals, errands, and rides. A common mistake is waiting for a crisis. Early help can prevent missed medicine or scams. Mention any changes to the doctor, who can look for causes. Insurers and Medicaid programs may count IADLs and ADLs differently when they assess needs.

Source: [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK470404/)

[Read more: Companion care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/companion-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Activities of daily living (ADLs)**Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the basic self-care tasks people do each day.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/activities-of-daily-living/)
-   [**Companion care**Companion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/companion-care/)
-   [**Medication management**Medication management is the full set of steps for using medicines safely.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medication-management/)
-   [**Cognitive decline**Cognitive decline is a drop in memory, thinking, judgment, or language.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cognitive-decline/)
-   [**Aging in place**Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/aging-in-place/)
-   [**Care assessment**A care assessment is a review of a person's health, abilities, home and support to decide what help they need.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/care-assessment/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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