Activities of Daily Living

Basic tasks of everyday life

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. The concept of ADLs was originally proposed in the 1950s by Sidney Katz and his team at the Benjamin Rose Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

Basic Activities of Daily Living

The basic ADLs consist of self-care tasks that include:

• Eating: The ability to feed oneself, though not necessarily the capability to prepare food.
• Bathing: The ability to wash oneself and perform grooming activities like shaving and brushing teeth.
• Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put the clothes on.
• Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself.
• Transferring: The ability to move from one position to another, such as from a bed to a chair.
• Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel functions.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

In addition to the basic ADLs, there are also Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which are not necessary for fundamental functioning, but they let an individual live independently in a community:

• Managing finances: The ability to handle financial matters, such as paying bills and managing a budget.
• Handling transportation: The ability to drive or use public transportation.
• Shopping: The ability to shop for groceries and other necessities.
• Preparing meals: The ability to plan and prepare meals.
• Using the telephone and other communication devices: The ability to make and receive phone calls and use other communication devices.
• Managing medications: The ability to obtain medications and take them as directed.
• Housework and basic home maintenance: The ability to perform light and heavy chores necessary to maintain a home.

Assessment of ADLs

Assessment of ADLs is crucial in determining the level of care an individual may need. Healthcare professionals often use standardized tools to evaluate a person's ability to perform ADLs. These assessments can help in planning for long-term care, rehabilitation, and discharge planning from hospitals.

Importance in Healthcare

ADLs are a critical component in the healthcare field, particularly in geriatrics, rehabilitation, and long-term care. They are used to assess the functional status of patients, which can influence treatment plans and care strategies. The ability or inability to perform ADLs can indicate the level of assistance required and can impact the quality of life.

Related pages

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Geriatrics
• Rehabilitation (neuropsychology)

Gallery

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  Illustration of Activities of Daily Living

Activities of Daily Living

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