What are IADLs, and how do they differ from ADLs?

IADLs, which stand for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, refer to the skills needed for independent living, such as managing finances, handling transportation, shopping for groceries, and preparing meals. These activities go beyond the basic self-care tasks that are classified as ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), which include fundamental needs like bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and eating.

The key distinction lies in the complexity and the level of independence required; IADLs generally require more cognitive and physical ability as they support living independently in the community. This includes aspects of daily functioning that ensure an individual can manage their home and personal affairs safely and effectively. Recognizing this difference is crucial in fields such as healthcare, where assessments of a person's capability to perform these tasks can inform the level of support they may need.

The other options misrepresent the definitions of IADLs, emphasizing incorrect conceptual frameworks or conflating them with concepts related to ADLs, thereby causing confusion regarding their real significance in daily living assessments.