Regarding instrumental adls

Iris L.

I don't know why instrumental adls are not mentioned more frequently. I think new members could get a quick understanding of what their LOs can and cannot do. Instrumental adls are learned at high school level. If your LO is functioning at below a high school level, your LO should not be left alone and needs close supervision.

Iris

harshedbuzz

@Iris L.

Excellent post.

That said, there are twelves I would trust to operate a stove and be alone safely for a few hours at a time. That's where the DBAT gets murky; a typically developing twelve would have the executive function to know an unattended stove is a fire hazard and the short-term memory to remember to turn it off where a PWD might not. If the tween did have a lapse of judgment, they would certainly learn from the experience.

HB

ButterflyWings

mpang123

Thank you butterflywings for the description. My dad fails on all of them!

Hope5757

My experience, which seems to be fairly common, is that by the time a diagnosis is made, the PWD is past the stage of being able to do IADLs with any degree of competency.

In thinking back to my MIL, I think she might have had Alzheimer’s for at least 12-15 years prior to her official diagnosis. She’s just really good at compensating. Even now, although she routinely asks me what to do once she sits down on the commode, there are times she presents as completely healthy.

Iris L.

Often new members' expectations of their LOs capabilities are too elevated. New caregivers, please understand that you will have to adapt (lower) your expectations. Do what you can to make your new lives easier on yourselves.

Iris

irismccx

Thanks to the community for being here. My husband is in the very early stages of AD. He was diagnosed with an MRI and a spinal puncture. He can currently do all the IADL's, but I am seeing our future here. Looks like Iris is a popular name, by the way! Iris M.

SusanB-dil

@irismccx Hi Iris M - welcome to 'here', but sorry for the reason.

Very good information, good advice, and commiseration available.