IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)
IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) refers to the everyday tasks that allow a person to live independently in their community. Unlike basic activities of daily living (like getting dressed or bathing), these are more complex tasks that caregivers help with, such as managing medications, preparing meals, or handling finances. Care providers use this term to describe the level of assistance someone needs and to create care plans. Similar terms you might see include "independent living skills" or "daily life activities." It's a key concept in elderly care, disability support, and home healthcare services that helps assess how much support a client needs.
Examples in Resumes
Assisted elderly clients with IADLs including medication management and grocery shopping
Provided comprehensive support with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for 5 residents
Created and maintained daily logs tracking client progress with Activities of Daily Living and IADLs
Typical job title: "Caregivers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Caregivers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement a comprehensive IADL care plan for multiple clients with different needs?
Expected Answer: A senior caregiver should discuss assessing individual client needs, creating personalized care plans, coordinating with healthcare professionals, training other caregivers, and implementing systems to track and document progress.
Q: How do you handle emergency situations while assisting with IADLs?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of emergency protocols, decision-making ability, communication with emergency services, family members, and healthcare providers, and proper documentation procedures.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What strategies do you use to encourage independence while assisting with IADLs?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods of encouraging clients to participate in tasks they can manage, breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps, and maintaining dignity while providing necessary support.
Q: How do you track and report changes in a client's IADL abilities?
Expected Answer: Should discuss documentation methods, communication with healthcare team and family members, and ability to notice and report significant changes in client capabilities.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main categories of IADLs you might assist with?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly explain key IADLs like medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and financial management.
Q: How do you maintain client privacy while assisting with IADLs?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of confidentiality, respect for personal space, and proper communication boundaries while providing care.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic understanding of IADLs
- Ability to follow care plans
- Basic documentation skills
- Safety awareness
Mid (1-3 years)
- Independent care plan implementation
- Problem-solving abilities
- Emergency response knowledge
- Strong communication skills
Senior (3+ years)
- Care plan development
- Team leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Complex care management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic safety protocols
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of empathy or patience
- Unable to maintain proper documentation
- No knowledge of emergency procedures
Related Terms
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