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Glossary:
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL's)
Instrumental activities of daily living are less basic than activities of daily living or ADL’s. While they need to be performed, when IADL’s are performed may not be as critical. IADL’s include activities such as shopping, paying bills, cleaning, doing the laundry, and snow removal. Many more seniors require, or simply prefer, assistance with IADL’s than with ADL’s. Some seniors may want someone to escort them on shopping trips and help them avoid situations that might cause them to fall. Other seniors may have become forgetful and welcome assistance with their bill paying and medical appointments. Still others, who have become weakened by illness, may require assistance with many IADL’s as well as one or more ADL’s.
Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy involves the administration of fluids, nutrients, medications, blood products intravenously for various reasons such as pain management, treatment of infections, chemotherapy, as well as treatment and management of various diseases and conditions.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the inability to control urination or defecation (a bowel movement).
Influenza (flu)
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious virus that causes inflammation of the respiratory tract. Unlike a cold that comes on gradually, the flu begins suddenly with a headache, chills and a cough, immediately followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and tiredness. Much of the illness can be prevented by getting an annual flu shot vaccination.
Insulin
A hormone created by the pancreas that controls the glucose level in blood. Drugs containing this hormone are used in the treatment of diabetes.
Immunization
A vaccination that stimulates the immune system by creating resistance to a disease.