What are Activities of Daily Living?

A phrase that often comes up when considering long-term care options is activities of daily living. You might be wondering what these activities are and why they are important. Activities of daily living, also known as ADLs, consist of essential tasks that most healthy individuals can perform on their own. Typically, an individual who requires long-term care needs help with at least a few of these tasks.

ADLs include moving around, eating, dressing, bathing, and toileting.

Basic Activities of Daily Living

Moving Around – moving from one position to another, transferring to and from a wheelchair

Eating – feeding themselves

Dressing – selecting appropriate clothing, dressing themselves

Bathing – cleaning, grooming, and maintaining hygiene

Toileting – getting to and from the toilet, maintaining continence

ADLs and Long-Term Care

Generally speaking, an individual who requires assistance with three or more ADLs should have round-the-clock care, such as in a nursing home. In fact, Medicaid applicants typically must need help with at least three ADLs in order to qualify for benefits. Someone who only needs assistance with one or two of these activities may rely on at-home care or move into an assisted living facility instead of a nursing home.

Read More: When to Move Your Loved One into a Nursing Home