Activities of Daily Living

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the fundamental self-care tasks people perform each day to live independently. They are usually grouped as: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting (using the bathroom), transferring (moving in and out of a bed or chair), and continence (controlling the bladder and bowels).

Why ADLs matter

Health professionals assess ADLs to gauge how much help an older adult needs and whether they can safely live alone. Difficulty with one or more ADLs is a key signal that more support — equipment, home modifications, or care — may be needed.

A related set, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), covers more complex tasks like cooking, managing medications and money, shopping, and using the phone or transportation.

Supporting ADLs at home

Many ADL challenges have practical solutions: a shower chair and grab bars for bathing, adaptive clothing and dressing aids for dressing, adaptive utensils for eating, and a raised toilet seat for toileting. An occupational therapist can assess which ADLs are difficult and recommend the right aids.