What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)? And How Home Care Can Help

As we or our loved ones age, there may come a time when simple daily tasks become more challenging. These fundamental tasks are known as Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs. ADLs are a set of basic self-care tasks that are essential for living independently at home. Understanding what they are and how a little assistance can make a big difference is the first step toward creating a safer, more comfortable life.

The Core Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

There are six basic ADLs that professionals use to gauge an individual’s functional abilities and to determine the level of care they may need. They are:

1. Bathing and Personal Hygiene: This includes the ability to bathe or shower, wash one’s hair, and perform other hygiene tasks.
2. Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothing and to physically put on and remove garments.
3. Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it correctly, and perform subsequent hygiene.
4. Transferring: The ability to move from one position to another, such as getting out of bed, moving to a chair, or getting into a wheelchair.
5. Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel function.
6. Eating: The ability to feed oneself, which includes the physical process of getting food from the plate into the mouth.

How Home Care Helps with ADLs

Home care assistance is specifically designed to support individuals with ADLs, helping them maintain their dignity and independence. A caregiver’s role is not to take over these tasks but to provide the right level of support to ensure they are completed safely and effectively.

• Bathing and Grooming: A caregiver can provide a steady hand for balance in the shower, set up the necessary supplies, or offer full assistance to ensure proper hygiene is maintained without the risk of falls.
• Dressing: They can assist with buttons, zippers, or socks that may be difficult to reach. They can also help with selecting clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the day.
• Toileting and Continence: Caregivers can assist with transferring to and from the toilet and provide support for individuals with incontinence, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
• Transferring and Mobility: A caregiver can help with safe transfers, using proper techniques and mobility aids to move a person from their bed to a chair, a wheelchair, or a car, reducing the risk of injury.
• Eating: For individuals with physical limitations, a caregiver can prepare meals, cut food into manageable pieces, or provide feeding assistance to ensure they receive proper nutrition.

The Importance of a Personalized Approach

Understanding a person’s ADL needs is the first step in creating a personalized care plan. A home care agency will conduct a thorough assessment to determine exactly where assistance is needed, allowing for a tailored approach that respects an individual’s autonomy.

Home care for ADLs is about more than just completing a task; it’s about providing dignity, security, and a better quality of life. By supporting these fundamental daily activities, home care allows individuals to remain in the comfort of their own homes and to live as independently as possible.