IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)
Complex daily tasks that support independent living beyond basic self-care, including meal preparation, medication management, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and transportation. Often covered under homemaker or companion care services.
Also known as: IADL · instrumental ADL · homemaker tasks · companion tasks · household assistance
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are higher-order tasks that enable independent living but are not strictly personal care. Common IADLs include meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, errands, transportation, and managing finances or appointments.
While ADLs involve direct physical care, IADLs typically involve household management and community navigation. Home care agencies may offer IADL support as standalone homemaker or companion services, or as part of a blended personal care plan.
Payer coverage for IADLs varies: private-pay clients can customize IADL service packages freely, while Medicaid and VA programs may limit reimbursable IADL tasks to specific categories.
In home care, this means…
Assessed during intake alongside ADLs. IADL needs often determine whether a client qualifies for companion or homemaker service tiers vs. personal care, which affects pricing and payer eligibility.
Related terms
ADL (Activities of Daily Living) →
Personal self-care tasks individuals perform daily, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility. In home care, caregiver assistance with ADLs is the primary service delivered.
Care Plan →
An individualized document specifying a client's care needs, approved service tasks, frequency, duration, and caregiver assignments. It is the operational blueprint for every shift and the legal basis for billing Medicaid and insurance payers.
Homemaker Services →
Non-medical household support services including meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, and errands. Distinct from personal care (ADL assistance), though often delivered together as part of a blended care package.
Assessment →
A structured in-home evaluation of a prospective client's functional, cognitive, and safety status used to build the care plan and determine appropriate service levels. Typically conducted by a care coordinator at the start of service.
Payer →
Any entity that pays for home care services: government programs (Medicaid, VA), managed care organizations, long-term care insurance companies, or private individuals and families (private pay). Payer mix is a critical driver of agency revenue and margin.