Review Video

Quality of life is linked, in part, to one’s ability to be able to live safely and independently. Sustaining that independence requires that the individual can accomplish activities beyond basic self-care needs and including higher order functions such as complex planning and management skills. The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale is an assessment tool that can be used to objectively measure these abilities, and to better understand what level and types of services and support should be provided to maintain independence.

The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale video program features a case study of an anxious older adult admitted to the hospital after being found disoriented by neighbors, and very aware that the results of this assessment might mean the end of living in her own apartment. While the challenges of measuring the activities included in the Lawton, such as housekeeping, money-management and transportation, are fairly significant when a patient is hospitalized and not in a home-like environment, those challenges can be eclipsed when patients are reluctant to cooperate. This program provides viewers with expert interviewing and assessment techniques which can be applied in their own practice. This video organizes information in chaptered formats for viewers interested in specific aspects of the program.

Carla Graf, MS, RN, CNS-BC, has no significant ties, financial or otherwise, to any company that might have an interest in the publication of this educational activity.