When, where, why:

When you find your loved one no longer meet the requirements to live independently there is a need for more in home care than Here To Enrich can provide.

When a resident is living independently but actually needs more care it can cause your loved one undue stress and at worst be dangerous and cause pain and suffering. There are increased risks such as falls and injuries, overdose due to poor medication management, malnutrition, social isolation and loneliness, and could cause delayed medical attention for emergencies.

This can lead to an overall decreased quality of life. If your loved one needs more assistance during the day or night it’s time to add In Home Care Services that provides Medical Advocates to our Team. Please consider moving them to a higher care facility that are capable of providing the proper care they may need.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living or IADLs are tasks required to maintain independent living conditions. More complex than the six essential ADLs, which are:
• Dressing
• Eating
• Ambulating
• Toileting
• Hygiene
• Continence

Signs an Elderly Person May Need More Care

1. Difficulty with ADLs

2. Cognitive decline:

- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Disorientation

3. Physical limitations:

- Mobility issues
- Balance problems
- Chronic pain

4. Safety concerns:

- Falls
- Medication mismanagement
- Nutritional deficiencies

5. Social isolation

6. Weight loss or malnutrition

7. Decreased vision or hearing

8. Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)

1. Independent Living:

Residential settings where seniors live independently, requiring minor assistance, often with amenities like meals, transportation and social activities.

1. Require minimal assistance.
2. Can manage daily activities (ADLs) independently.
3. Need some support with household chores.
4. Desire socialization and community engagement.
5. Are cognitively intact.

2. Assisted Living:

Facilities providing 24/7 support with daily tasks (ADLs) like bathing, dressing and medication management, while promoting independence.

Recommended for elderly individuals who:
1. Need assistance with daily activities (ADLs) like bathing, dressing.
2. Require medication management.
3. Have mobility issues.
4. Experience cognitive decline (e.g., dementia).
5. Need support with meal preparation.
6. Require regular medical monitoring.

Key Differences

1. Level of care: Independent Living (minimal) vs. Assisted Living (moderate).
2. Assistance with ADLs: Independent Living (none) vs. Assisted Living (support).
3. Cognitive requirements: Independent Living (cognitively intact) vs. Assisted Living (cognitive support).

3. Adult Day Care:

Community-based programs offering socialization, meals and activities during daytime hours, providing respite for caregivers.

4. Skilled Nursing:

24/7 medical care in facilities staffed by licensed nurses and therapists, providing rehabilitation, wound care and management of chronic conditions.

Decision Factors

1. Health status
2. Functional abilities
3. Cognitive function
4. Safety concerns
5. Social support
6. Financial resources

“Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLs, are tasks or activities that everyone must perform regularly, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing one’s finances. Senior care and other health professionals often evaluate a senior’s need for care based on their capacity to perform their IADLs and basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).”

Published: October 30, 2023
Reviewed by: Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD