Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

As a person ages or experiences a decline in mental or physical health, they may have difficulties performing tasks that were once second nature. This loss of function will likely have negative effects on them as time passes. More important, it can become a primary factor in determining the need for a caregiver in the home.

What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

ADLs are the basic tasks needed to live independently and maintain overall health and wellness.

Basic ADLs (ADLs) are self-care skills learned throughout childhood like dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, feeding, and mobility. A person must have the physical ability to perform these activities, in addition to the planning and mental capacity to conceptualize what needs to be accomplished.

Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) represent the thinking and organizational skills learned throughout teenage years like money management, cleaning, preparing meals, and using communication devices (like cellphones).

Why Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Important?

Proficiency with ADLs is used to help determine long-term care decisions. Declines in basic ADLs may not become readily apparent until later stages of disease or aging. Understanding your loved one’s abilities can indicate a need for physical therapy, home care services, or an assisted living facility. It is recommended that a health care professional performs an assessment to determine if a family member is experiencing a decline in self-care skills.

If a decline in activities of daily living is discovered, a qualified home care expert can perform an in-person visit. They can evaluate ADLs and recommend a personalized home care plan that helps a loved one to continue living at home as independently and safely as possible.

Do you have a loved one that could benefit from home care assistance with daily activities of living (ADLs)?  We can help.