Regular assessment of ADLs and IADLs in older adults helps determine what?

• A. Insurance eligibility
• B. Genetic risk assessment
• C. Level of assistance and care planning
• D. Language assessment

Answer: (C)

Regular assessment of ADLs and IADLs in older adults reveals how independently a person can function and what level of help they may need, which directly informs care planning. ADLs are basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, feeding, and continence. IADLs involve more complex activities such as managing medications, preparing meals, finances, transportation, shopping, housework, and communication. Tracking performance on these tasks over time helps identify declines early, determine the appropriate level of supervision or assistance, and guide decisions about services, equipment, or living arrangements that support safety and independence.

These assessments aren’t used to determine insurance eligibility, assess genetic risk, or evaluate language abilities, which involve different criteria and evaluations.