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LADL
Needs help with activities of daily living (ADL)
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Codes and Frequencies



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Description

LADL indicates whether the individual needed the help of other persons with personal care needs, because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem. As an opening question, the interviewer asked, "Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, does anyone in the family need the help of other persons with personal care needs, such as eating, bathing, dressing, or getting around inside the house?" and, if the response was affirmative, "Who is this?"

Related Variables

The "personal care needs" referenced in the opening question (eating, bathing, dressing, or getting around inside the house) were referred to as "activities of daily living (ADLs)" in the Field Representative's Manuals for 1997 forward.

 

For persons identified as needing help with activities of daily living, the interviewer asked whether they needed the help of other people with six specific activities: bathing or showering (LABATH); dressing (LADRESS); eating (LAEAT); using the toilet (LATOILT), including getting to the toilet; getting around inside the home (LAHOME); and getting in or out of bed or chairs (LABED).

Whether an individual needed help with instrumental activities of daily living) or routine needs, such as everyday household chores, doing necessary business, shopping, or getting around for other purposes, is reported in LAIADL.

Definitions 

The Field Representative's Manuals for 1997 forward defined "help" as "hands-on" assistance with performing an activity." The Manuals also stated, "An 'other person' may be a friend, relative, paid helper, volunteer from an agency or organization or anyone else who helps the family member in doing the activities mentioned. He or she may be a household member or a non-household member."

The term "problem" was respondent-defined. Nonetheless, the Field Representative's Manual for 1997 forward informed interviewers what was intended by this term. The text states,

A problem is defined as the respondent's perception of a chronic, perhaps permanent, departure from physical, mental or emotional well-being. Short-term disabilities (such as pregnancy or injury where full recovery is expected) should not be included as problems.

The text for 2001 forward also states,

A health problem is respondent defined. Generally speaking, though, it is any condition, physical, mental, or emotional, which causes limitation in activity . . . Do not include pregnancy or delivery as a health problem.

None of these definitions were routinely shared with respondents during the interview.

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Universe

  • 1997-2013; 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018: Persons age 3+.

Availability

  • 1997-2018

Weights