The Manuals for 1997 forward defined "help" as "hands-on" assistance with performing an activity." The Manual 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 Manuals for 1997 forward informed interviewers what was intended by this term. The text states,

The text for 2001 forward also states,

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

While LAIADL deals with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), LADL deals with those activities of daily living (ADLs) related to personal care needs, such as eating, bathing, dressing, or getting around inside the house. In addition to the summary measure of functional limitation provided by LADL, a series of six variables deals with whether the person currently needed help with specific activities of daily living. These include: LABATH (for bathing or showering); LADRESS (for dressing); LAEAT (for eating); LATOILT (for using the toilet); LAHOME (for getting around inside the home); and LABED (for getting in and out of bed or chairs).