Activities of Daily Living ( ADL)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) is a term used in healthcare to refer to daily “self-care activities” within an individual’s place of residence, in outdoor environments, or both. Generally, the ability or inability to perform ADLs serves as a measurement of the functional status of a person of any age.

The degrees of “help or assistance” can vary from “just a little bit of help needed” to “full assistance needed” in meal preparation, walking, driving, bathing, taking medications and other activities of daily living.

Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include:

• Personal Hygiene and Grooming
• Functional Transfers, e.g. Getting Out of Bed
• Bathing
• Incontinence Care
• Dressing and Undressing
• Walking or Using a Wheelchair
• Feeding Oneself
• Light Housekeeping
• Appointment Scheduler
• Meal Preparation
• Medication Reminder
• Transportation
• Joyful Companionship and Leisure Activities
• Laundry
• Shopping for Groceries or Clothing
• Personal Errands
• Telephone Use and/or Follow-Up Calls