Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental tasks that individuals typically perform daily to maintain independence and well-being. These activities encompass a range of functions necessary for self-care and functioning within society.

Let’s explore the concept of ADLs and discuss the minimum number required for assessing an individual’s level of independence and care needs.

ADLs are divided into basic activities and instrumental activities. Basic ADLs are essential self-care tasks that include…

1. Personal Hygiene – This involves tasks such as bathing or showering, grooming (including oral care, hair care, and skincare), and toileting.
2. Dressing – This encompasses the ability to choose appropriate clothing, put it on, and fasten or adjust clothing items as needed.
3. Eating – This refers to the ability to feed oneself independently, including the use of utensils and maintaining proper nutrition and hydration.

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that are necessary for independent living within the community. These include…

1. Household Management – This involves tasks such as managing finances, performing household chores (such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation), and maintaining a safe and organized living environment.
2. Transportation – This includes the ability to use transportation services or drive safely to access essential services and activities outside the home.
3. Medication Management – This encompasses the ability to manage medications independently, including filling prescriptions, adhering to medication schedules, and recognizing and reporting any adverse effects or changes in health status.

The minimum number of ADLs required for assessing an individual’s level of independence and care needs typically focuses on basic ADLs. The ability to perform these tasks independently is often used as a measure of functional status and may influence decisions regarding the level of assistance or support required.

People who need help with basic daily tasks can benefit from home healthcare services. Those who can perform all tasks independently may require minimal assistance and be considered more independent in their care needs.

Basic ADLs, including personal hygiene, dressing, and eating, are the minimum requirements for assessing an individual’s independence and care needs. Understanding their ability to perform these tasks independently is crucial for developing personalized care plans and supporting their well-being and independence.