What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to the essential tasks that individuals perform daily to maintain their independence and well-being. These tasks are commonly used to assess a person’s ability to live independently or determine the level of assistance they may need. ADLs are divided into two categories: Basic ADLs (BADLs) and Instrumental ADLs (IADLs).
Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs)
Basic ADLs are fundamental self-care tasks that are necessary for daily functioning. The six core BADLs include:
- Bathing – The ability to wash oneself and maintain personal hygiene.
- Dressing – Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing.
- Grooming – Brushing teeth, hair care, shaving, and other hygiene tasks.
- Eating – The ability to feed oneself, either independently or with assistance.
- Toileting – Using the bathroom independently and maintaining cleanliness.
- Mobility – Moving around safely, including walking, standing, and transferring from bed to chair.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Instrumental ADLs are more complex tasks that allow individuals to live independently and manage daily life. These six activities include:
- Managing Finances – Paying bills and handling money responsibly.
- Medication Management – Taking medications correctly as prescribed.
- Meal Preparation – Cooking and preparing food independently.
- Housekeeping – Cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe living environment.
- Transportation – Driving or arranging transportation for daily needs.
- Communication – Using the phone, email, or other technology to stay connected.
Evaluating ADLs allows caregivers at Aurora Home Health to determine the appropriate level of support needed to help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life.
