Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s)
Have you heard people talk about the “activities of daily living” or ADL’s? About one fourth of elderly Americans need help with these personal care activities. A big part of your job is probably to assist your clients as they perform their ADL’s. The activities of daily living include seven personal care activities:
1. Eating
2. Toileting
3. Dressing
4. Bathing
5. Walking
6. Getting in and out of a bed or a chair
7. Getting outside
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL’s)
You may also have heard about “instrumental activities of daily living”. IADL’s are important activities— especially for people who live on their own. These “instrumental” activities include six home management activities:
1. Preparing meals
2. Shopping for personal items
3. Managing money
4. Using the telephone
5. Doing heavy housework
6. Doing light housework