caredependence

Care dependence is the state in which an individual requires assistance or supervision from others to perform activities of daily living due to physical or cognitive limitations. It can be temporary or permanent, partial or total, and may involve help with daily tasks, safety monitoring, or decision making. It is commonly assessed in terms of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Common drivers of care dependence include aging, chronic illness, stroke, dementia, mobility impairment, sensory loss, and psychiatric conditions. The level of care dependence is often categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, and may fluctuate with health status. Assessments may consider physical functioning, cognitive capacity, behavioral needs, and safety requirements.

Care dependence is typically supported by a care network that may include formal care workers, family members, friends, and community services. The mix and intensity of support influence caregivers’ burden, well-being, and ability to maintain the person’s quality of life. In many systems, provision of care depends on policy, funding, and service availability, creating important implications for health and social care planning and resource allocation.

Policy and research use care dependence to estimate long-term care needs, forecast workforce requirements, and evaluate interventions aimed at maintaining independence or delaying further decline. Common measurement tools in research and practice include the Care Dependency Scale, the Barthel Index for ADLs, and other scales that assess functional status and supervision needs.

Cultural and ethical considerations shape attitudes toward dependence and caregiving. Norms surrounding autonomy, dignity, and familial responsibility influence access to services, protection of rights, and decisions about risk, safety, and independence.

See also: Activities of daily living, Instrumental activities of daily living, Disability, Frailty, Long-term care, Caregiver.