Cleaning your home, making dinner or taking a shower are essential self-care tasks that we perform daily or routinely, known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). For most healthy individuals, these tasks can be performed without any problems. However, as parents or loved ones age, you might notice them struggling with these essential life tasks. Whether due to normal aging, an acute illness, chronic health conditions or cognitive decline, difficulties with ADLs should not be overlooked. In fact, the need for assistance with basic personal care plays a major role in decisions about obtaining home care services, moving to an assisted living facility or entering a nursing home. To ensure dignity, safety and an optimal quality of life, understanding ADLs and being able to properly evaluate self-care abilities is crucial.
What are ADLs?
Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are essential self-care tasks necessary for personal well-being. These include ambulating (moving safely and walking independently), feeding (eating and drinking independently), dressing (choosing and wearing clothes), personal hygiene (bathing, brushing teeth, grooming), continence (controlling bladder and bowel functions), and toileting (using the toilet and cleaning oneself).
Receiving Assistance with ADLs
When individuals cannot fully perform ADLs alone, assistance may be needed. This can come from informal unpaid caregivers like family members or paid professional home care services.
As care needs increase, transitioning to an assisted living residence or skilled nursing facility may become necessary to support ADLs and provide a safer environment adequately.
Don’t know where to start? Take our Senior Living Options Quiz to determine which type of senior living is right for your loved one.
Conclusion
The ability to perform activities of daily living is essential for independence and aging in place. Properly assessing ADL capabilities is crucial for understanding your parent or loved ones’ needs and planning appropriate care.
By being proactive about assessing ADL abilities and getting supportive services in place, many seniors can continue living at home for longer while maintaining dignity and quality of life as their needs change over time.
All Your Needs. All Our Hearts.
At Trousdale Living Communities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, our goal is to care and provide for your loved one and embrace every resident as a person FIRST, so that you can have peace of mind that your parent or loved one is healthy and face. We are dedicated to serving the needs of our residents and patients with exceptional, compassionate, and loving care. Our highly trained and experienced team of nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, medical, and administrative staff provide you and your loved ones with preeminent care. It’s time to join a community of care, comfort, and compassion, a community that is consistently focused on your needs.