MAV logo

Medical Advocates of Virginia

Care Management and Medical Advocacy Services
for Adults and Seniors

"We will help you navigate the medical system in any way we can!"

Decorative bar

Have You Heard About...?

We post a new topic of interest here each month. Check back often. If you have a topic you would like to see posted here, please contact us. Browse archived articles below right.


This month's topic...

The last word on ADLs, IADLs and EF, Part 3

In our previous two articles we sought to familiarize you with the terms ADL and IADL. (Here are links to Part 1 and Part 2.)

Today we look at the abbreviation EF. EF means “executive function”. This describes mental processing. Why is this important in determination of an appropriate match for services? If the person’s brain is not working well, it can have an impact on safety, independence and self care. There are many, many reasons why a person could have difficulty with mental processes: Illness, disease, medications, injury, and trauma, to name a few. Sometimes the problems with mental processes are temporary, like a traumatic injury that will heal. Sometimes mental function is impaired but stays consistent. Sadly, sometimes mental functions decline over time.

The mental activities/dimensions associated with EF include:

  • Keeping track of time
  • Keeping track of more than one thing at a time
  • Asking for help when appropriate
  • Recognizing an emergency and acting accordingly
  • Changing plans if a situation warrants
  • Connecting past experiences with current situations
  • Problem solving
  • Ability to organize information

You can see the executive functions are needed to make safe and reasonable decisions. This can play a significant role in the determination of the most appropriate environment. Sometimes a problem with executive functioning can have a relatively easy solution: if someone forgets to take their medication on time a reminder service could be used. However, some executive function problems have more dire consequences. If a person can’t recognize that smoke in the kitchen is dangerous they risk injury or death. If there is smoke in the kitchen and television has a favorite program on can they appreciate that the smoke is a priority over the television? Can they remember that the last time they stood on a shaky chair to change a light bulb, they fell?

There are times when a person’s executive function can be so impaired that they can not safely live independently, even if their overall health is good.

In summary, we hope the information we’ve presented on activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and executive function (EF) has helped you understand the meaning of these terms, how the terms are used in the health industry and appreciate how using these terms applies to finding the best service match for an individual.

We are available to help you understand the language used in the health care world and help you formulate a sound and safe plan for your loved one.