I Can Do It Myself, Thank You Very Much!

Learning to adapt to aging as our bodies begin to fail us is HARD. What you can do says a lot about your health. Let’s talk about the daily tasks that tell the real story of independence — and what to do when they start to change.

There are two big acronyms that quietly shape a lot of healthcare decisions as we age: ADLs and IADLs. They stand for the building blocks of daily living — and when these start to shift, so do your care needs.

🧼 ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

These are the most basic tasks that allow us to function independently:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Eating

• Using the toilet

• Transferring (e.g., getting in/out of bed)

• Walking

🛒 IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)

These are more complex tasks that keep us independent:

• Managing medications

• Cooking

• Cleaning

• Managing money

• Using the phone

• Shopping

• Transportation

Why they matter:

Subtle declines usually show up in IADLs first — maybe missed bills or skipped meals.

• ADLs typically follow as health conditions progress or mobility decreases.

• Healthcare providers use ADLs/IADLs to determine care needs, long-term care insurance eligibility, in-home help, and even living arrangements.

A change in what you can do often means it’s time to adapt — not give up.

How to Adapt Smart

✅ Modify your home for safety
✅ Ask for help with specific tasks
✅ Use technology for reminders, deliveries, and communication
✅ Create a Healthcare Action Plan tailored to your new needs

Your independence isn’t all-or-nothing. The key is knowing where things stand — and planning accordingly.

👉 Want help creating a plan that fits your lifestyle today — and adapts with you?
Let’s talk: nancy@drtadvocacy.com

Cheers!
Dr. T