IADLskalor

IADL-skalor are standardized instruments used to measure an individual's capacity to perform instrumental activities essential for independent living. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are more complex tasks than basic self-care and require planning, problem-solving, and physical ability. IADL-skalor provide a structured way to quantify functioning, track changes over time, and guide care planning in older adults, people with cognitive impairment, and those recovering from illness or injury. They are commonly used in geriatrics, neurology, and rehabilitation, and are often part of broader functional or cognitive assessments.

Common domains included in IADL-skalor are telephone use, shopping, food preparation, housework, laundry, transportation or getting around, medication management, and handling finances. However, the number and content of items vary by instrument. The Lawton IADL scale is one of the most widely used; it typically includes eight activities and is scored to reflect level of independence, with higher scores indicating greater independence (for example, 0–8 in some versions, 1 point per independent activity). Some scales use different scoring schemes and may allow partial independence.

Other commonly used measures include the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), an informant-rated instrument with 10 items assessing daily functioning, and various culturally adapted versions. Scoring generally differentiates between levels of difficulty or independence, and higher total scores typically signal greater impairment.

Interpretation should consider cultural expectations, living situation, and education. IADL-skalor are valuable for detecting functional decline, informing discharge plans, and supporting research on aging and cognitive disorders.