Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are tasks that individuals typically perform daily to maintain their independence and well-being. Not all tasks fall under the category of ADLs.

In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of ADLs and identify which activities are not considered as part of this framework.

1. Definition of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
   • ADLs encompass basic self-care tasks that individuals undertake to meet their fundamental needs for hygiene, mobility, and nutrition.
   • These activities are for maintaining independence and quality of life, especially for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related issues.
2. Common Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
   • Bathing/Showering – Cleansing the body through bathing or showering.
   • Dressing – Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing.
   • Eating – Feeding oneself independently or with minimal assistance.
   • Transferring – Moving from one position to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair.
   • Toileting – Managing bowel and bladder functions, including using the toilet.
   • Continence – Maintaining control over bladder and bowel movements.
3. Activities Not Considered ADLs
   • Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) – While similar to ADLs, IADLs are more complex tasks that are necessary for independent living but are not essential for basic functioning. Examples include…
     • Managing finances and budgeting.
     • Shopping for groceries and household items.
     • Meal preparation and cooking.
     • Performing housekeeping chores such as cleaning and laundry.
     • Taking medications as prescribed.
     • Using transportation to access community resources and services.

Understanding the distinction between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) is for assessing an individual’s level of independence and determining appropriate care needs. While ADLs encompass basic self-care tasks vital for daily functioning, IADLs involve more complex activities related to independent living. By recognizing which activities fall under each category, caregivers can provide tailored support to individuals to help them maintain autonomy and quality of life.