Which statement best describes the functional domains evaluated under ADLs and IADLs in InterRAI?

Which statement best describes the functional domains evaluated under ADLs and IADLs in InterRAI?

• A. ADLs assess basic self-care (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, feeding); IADLs assess more complex tasks (e.g., managing medications, finances, transportation, meal preparation).
• B. ADLs assess complex tasks; IADLs basic tasks.
• C. ADLs and IADLs both assess medical history.
• D. ADLs assess mobility only; IADLs assess cognitive function.

Answer: (A)

The distinction centers on the level of daily-task demands: basic self-care versus more complex instrumental tasks needed for independent living. In InterRAI, basic activities of daily living include fundamental self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and feeding. Instrumental activities of daily living cover tasks that require planning, organization, and problem-solving, like managing medications, finances, transportation, and meal preparation. This separation is essential for care planning because it shows where a person may need assistance and what level of support is appropriate. So, describing ADLs as basic self-care and IADLs as more complex tasks best reflects how functional domains are evaluated. The other statements don’t fit because they mischaracterize the scope—ADLs aren’t complex tasks or limited to mobility, and neither set assesses medical history.

The distinction centers on the level of daily-task demands: basic self-care versus more complex instrumental tasks needed for independent living. In InterRAI, basic activities of daily living include fundamental self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and feeding. Instrumental activities of daily living cover tasks that require planning, organization, and problem-solving, like managing medications, finances, transportation, and meal preparation. This separation is essential for care planning because it shows where a person may need assistance and what level of support is appropriate. So, describing ADLs as basic self-care and IADLs as more complex tasks best reflects how functional domains are evaluated. The other statements don’t fit because they mischaracterize the scope—ADLs aren’t complex tasks or limited to mobility, and neither set assesses medical history.