ADL

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are routine activities that people tend to do every day without needing assistance. There are six basic ADLs: eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking), and continence. These activities are essential for an individual's self-care and independence.

Categories of ADLs

ADLs are typically divided into two categories: Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs)

Basic ADLs include the fundamental tasks necessary for self-care. These are:

• Eating: The ability to feed oneself.
• Bathing: The ability to clean oneself and perform grooming activities like shaving and brushing teeth.
• Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put them on.
• Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself.
• Transferring: The ability to move from one place to another, such as from a bed to a chair.
• Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel functions.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Instrumental ADLs are more complex activities related to independent living. These include:

• Managing finances: The ability to handle money and pay bills.
• Handling transportation: The ability to drive or use public transportation.
• Shopping: The ability to buy groceries and other necessities.
• Preparing meals: The ability to plan and cook meals.
• Housekeeping: The ability to maintain a clean living environment.
• Managing medications: The ability to take medications as prescribed.
• Using communication devices: The ability to use a telephone or other communication devices.

Assessment of ADLs

Healthcare professionals often assess ADLs to determine the level of care an individual may need. This assessment is crucial for geriatric care, rehabilitation, and disability services. Tools such as the Barthel Index and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living are commonly used for this purpose.

Importance of ADLs

ADLs are important indicators of an individual's functional status. They are used to:

• Evaluate the need for home care or assisted living.
• Determine eligibility for long-term care insurance.
• Plan rehabilitation and occupational therapy.

Related Pages

• Geriatric care
• Rehabilitation
• Disability services
• Home care
• Assisted living
• Long-term care insurance
• Occupational therapy
• Barthel Index
• Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living

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