What does the Lawton IADL scale measure?

It measures ability across eight complex daily tasks that require more cognitive and physical skill than basic self-care: using the telephone, shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, managing medications, and handling finances.

How is the Lawton IADL different from the Katz ADL?

The Katz ADL measures basic self-care (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, feeding). The Lawton IADL measures higher-level tasks needed for independent community living. Both tools complement each other in a full functional assessment.

What is a good Lawton IADL score?

A score of 8 indicates full independence across all domains. Scores of 5–7 suggest mild difficulty; 3–4 suggest moderate impairment requiring some support; scores below 3 indicate significant dependence. Always interpret in context of the patient's baseline and living situation.

Does the scale apply equally to men and women?

The original 1969 Lawton scale noted gender differences in some domains (e.g., food preparation, laundry, housekeeping were historically rated only for women). Current clinical practice rates all 8 domains for all patients regardless of gender, as functional ability rather than social role is what matters clinically.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical evaluation?

No. The score supplements clinical judgment; it does not replace a full geriatric or functional assessment. Interpret results in the context of the patient's history, comorbidities, living arrangements, and goals of care.

Lawton IADL Score Calculator — Independent Living Assessment

Summary

Rate ability across 8 daily tasks — telephone, shopping, cooking, housekeeping, laundry, transport, medications, and finances — to get the Lawton IADL score.

How it works

For each of the 8 domains, select the description that best matches the patient's current ability.
Each domain scores 0 or 1 — the highest-ability option always scores 1.
The total score ranges from 0 (fully dependent) to 8 (fully independent).
A score of 8 indicates the patient can live independently; lower scores suggest need for support.
Use the result alongside clinical judgment to guide care planning and discharge decisions.

Use cases

Assess independent living ability during geriatric outpatient visits.
Screen older adults for functional decline on hospital admission.
Track whether community support services are maintaining function over time.
Guide decisions about home care needs, assisted living, or skilled nursing placement.
Detect early functional loss in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
Document baseline function before elective surgery in older patients.

Lawton IADL Score

Rate Each Domain