Glossary
Activities of Daily Living, often abbreviated as ADLs, are a term used in healthcare to refer to people's daily self-care activities. The concept of ADLs is crucial in the field of healthcare, particularly when dealing with individuals who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are elderly. The ability or inability to perform ADLs is often used as a measure of a person's functional status, especially in regards to people who are living independently or receiving home health care services.
ADLs are generally recognized to comprise six basic categories: eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking), and continence. Each of these categories encompasses a range of tasks that most people do without thinking, but which can become challenging or impossible for individuals with certain health conditions. Eating refers to the ability to feed oneself. This includes tasks such as being able to get to the kitchen, prepare food, and consume it in a safe and healthy manner. For some individuals, this may also include the ability to plan meals, shop for groceries, and clean up after eating. Bathing refers to the ability to clean oneself and perform personal hygiene tasks. This includes being able to get in and out of the shower or bath, wash one's body, and dry off afterward. It also includes tasks such as brushing teeth, washing hands, and other grooming activities. Dressing refers to the ability to select appropriate clothing and put it on. This includes being able to manipulate fasteners such as buttons and zippers and to dress in a manner that is appropriate for the weather and the individual's activities.
Toileting refers to the ability to get to and from the toilet, to use it appropriately, and to clean oneself afterward. This also includes the ability to manage menstrual care for women and to handle minor problems such as constipation or diarrhea. Transferring, or mobility, refers to the ability to move oneself from one place to another. This can include getting in and out of bed, moving from a chair to a standing position, and walking. For individuals who use wheelchairs, this category includes the ability to transfer from the wheelchair to a bed or chair and to maneuver the wheelchair. Continence refers to the ability to control bladder and bowel functions. This includes being able to recognize the need to go to the bathroom, to get there in time, and to manage clothing and cleaning oneself afterward.
The ability to perform these ADLs is often used as a measure of a person's ability to live independently. A person who is unable to perform one or more ADLs may require assistance, either from a family member, a home health aide, or in a residential care facility. In addition to these basic ADLs, there are also Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which include more complex tasks such as managing finances, handling transportation, shopping, preparing meals, doing housework, managing medications, and using the telephone. These tasks require a higher level of cognitive and physical function and are often used as a measure of a person's ability to live independently in the community.
In conclusion, Activities of Daily Living are a crucial measure of a person's functional status and ability to live independently. They encompass a range of tasks that most people do without thinking, but which can become challenging or impossible for individuals with certain health conditions. The ability to perform these tasks is often used as a measure of a person's need for assistance and can play a crucial role in decisions about care and treatment.