instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) /in′strəmen″təl/ , activities that support life within the home and community and that often require more complex interactions than those used in a category called activities for daily living, or ADL. IADL include care of others, care of pets, child rearing, communication management, driving and community mobility, financial management, health management and maintenance, home establishment and management, meal preparation and cleanup, religious and spiritual activities, implementation of safety and emergency precautions, and shopping. Compare activities of daily living.
