Final answer:
The Katz ADL scale assesses basic self-care abilities, while the Lawton IADL scale measures more complex skills required for independent living. Both are used in healthcare to evaluate a person's level of function and need for assistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Katz ADL scale and the Lawton IADL scale are assessment tools used in the field of medicine, particularly concerning the elderly or those with disabilities. The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assesses basic daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. These are foundational activities required for personal self-care. In contrast, the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale measures more complex skills required to live independently in a community. These include abilities such as managing finances, handling transportation, shopping, preparing meals, doing housework, managing medications, using the telephone, and responding to emergency alerts.
Healthcare providers use these scales to determine a person’s level of function and need for assistance or rehabilitative services. The primary goal of both the Katz ADL and the Lawton IADL scales is to evaluate an individual’s capacity to perform daily tasks independently, which can guide care planning and interventions.