In the United States, hearing loss is a common yet under-treated condition, affecting millions of people who often go without the help they need. With the ability to adapt to complex, filter noise, and even monitor health, AI hearing aids are changing what is possible.
More people are redefining retirement, choosing to stay in the workforce well past the traditional retirement age. As today’s older workers bring decades of wisdom and stability to their roles, they’re rewriting the rules on what it means to age in a modern workplace.
Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research are offering fresh optimism with new treatments that aim to slow the disease and improve patients' lives.
Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs, are the essential self-care tasks we perform every day, from bathing and dressing to feeding ourselves. These activities are critical indicators of a person’s ability to live independently, particularly in eldercare.
Everyday actions we take for granted, like brushing teeth or cooking dinner, become vital indicators of our ability to live independently as we age. These actions are categorized into Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), two benchmarks widely used in healthcare and eldercare to assess personal and medical needs.
These categories encompass everything from fundamental self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and transferring from bed to chair, to higher-order functions like managing medications and paying bills. As people age, the challenge lies not just in maintaining independence but also in doing so without compromising well-being. Understanding an individual’s capacity for these tasks allows caregivers to tailor support that fosters autonomy while reducing risks. Ultimately, these assessments empower older adults to age in place and to keep the freedom of their home environment with confidence and proper care.
ADLs refer to basic self-care activities that are necessary for day-to-day functioning. They reflect the foundational abilities that individuals develop in early childhood, and they are used to determine how independently a person can manage the essentials of life. Here’s a closer look at what these tasks include:
Some assessments expand the list to include tasks like personal hygiene, such as brushing teeth and hair, and ambulation, which refers to walking independently or using mobility aids.
IADLs involve more complex skills that require planning, judgment, and cognitive abilities. These tasks are often developed in adolescence and are necessary for maintaining a meaningful and organized life in a community setting. Here are some examples:
These assessments serve as a window into an individual’s level of independence and overall well-being. Understanding a person’s capabilities in these areas can guide caregivers and healthcare professionals in creating appropriate care plans. Here’s why it matters:
Various tools are used to evaluate ADLs and IADLs, each offering insights into different aspects of an individual’s functioning:
These tools provide a standardized way for professionals to measure a person’s functional status and determine the level of support required.
As we age, the comforts of home become even more cherished, yet the same space can also pose new risks. With a few thoughtful adjustments, a familiar home can become a safer and more accommodating place to continue living independently.
Navigating the process of hiring an in-home caregiver can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This comprehensive guide breaks down each step, from understanding your loved one’s needs and budget to developing a backup care plan and addressing the emotional side of caregiving.
For caregivers, balance means more than managing a routine—it’s about prioritizing well-being alongside the needs of others. By making thoughtful choices each day, caregivers can find harmony, avoid burnout, and approach each challenge with energy and empathy.
Caregiving can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. From expert advice to local support services, resources like the Family Caregiver Alliance and Area Agencies on Aging provide invaluable assistance to help caregivers manage their responsibilities and maintain their own well-being.
