Activities of Daily Living: What They Are and What They Mean
September 2022
Activities of daily living (or ADLs, as they're commonly referred to) are a frequent component of conversations about senior living and care. Activities of daily living refers to the group of tasks and skills that an individual must be able to perform in order to live an independent life, including being able to feed and dress oneself.
Why Are Activities of Daily Living Important?
As we age, our abilities and needs evolve. Chores or activities that we might not have thought twice about before—like grocery shopping or cleaning the house—can eventually become difficult, or even dangerous.
Activities of daily living offer a framework to gauge how well a person is able to function on their own. The choice to enlist home help for the elderly or move to a senior living facility is rarely an easy or straightforward one, and the concept of ADLs can sometimes help to simplify it. If an individual is struggling significantly with one or more activities of daily living, it may be a sign that a change of some sort is needed.
What Are Activities of Daily Living?
Activities of daily living aren't just relevant to discussions about senior care. People with disabilities or individuals who have experienced a major illness or injury may also struggle with activities of daily living. For that reason, it's good for everyone to have a basic awareness of what ADLs are in the event that someone in your life begins to experience difficulty with them.
Activities of Daily living are often divided into two categories: activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. The former label refers to crucial functionalities or tasks that must be performed on a daily basis, whereas the latter encompasses tasks that are important, but less essential and not necessary on a daily basis.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include:
Eating
Dressing
Basic hygiene and self care, such as using the toilet, brushing teeth, and bathing
Moving around the house safely
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include:
Shopping for groceries and other essential errands (such as picking up prescriptions)
Housework
Managing finances
Transportation
Communication
If you or someone you know is struggling with activities of daily living, it's better to get help sooner rather than later. PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.