Higher Lawton IADL totals reflect stronger ability to manage daily life outside basic self-care. Lower totals indicate reduced independence and higher caregiver or service needs.

Use for older adults during baseline geriatric assessment, after hospitalization, in memory/falls evaluation, and when determining support needs for safe home living.

Results can be influenced by social context, prior role distribution, culture, and environmental support. The tool should be interpreted with direct functional history and caregiver collateral.