We often talk about ADLs – Activities of Daily Living. These are the basic tasks people do every day, like bathing, dressing, and eating. But not everything we do falls into this category.
Here’s a simple breakdown…
- Medical Stuff – Giving medication, changing bandages, or any other medical procedures aren’t ADLs. They’re important, but they’re more about healthcare than daily living.
- Complicated Health Stuff – Things like physical therapy exercises or wound care aren’t ADLs either. They’re specialized tasks that need training.
- Fancy Cooking – Basic cooking is an ADL, but complex recipes or gourmet meals aren’t. They’re more about being a chef than daily living.
- Home Fixes – Stuff like fixing appliances or cleaning gutters isn’t part of ADLs. They’re about maintaining your home, not yourself.
- Getting Around – Transportation isn’t considered an ADL. It’s important, but it’s not about personal care.
- Money Matters – Managing finances like budgeting or paying bills isn’t an ADL. It’s about handling money, not daily tasks.
Knowing what’s not an ADL helps caregivers focus on what matters for daily living.
