Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

There are six basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, transferring and continence. The ability to accomplish each of these things independently is used as a measure of a senior's functional independence. When making long term care decisions, in-home care providers and long-term care facilities assess activities of daily living to determine the appropriate level of care.

The inability to perform ADLs without assistance is a key indicator of the need for a higher level of care. For instance, an individual who needs some assistance bathing or preparing meals may still be capable of living independently if the right support is in place. However, a transition to a long-term care facility may be necessary when an individual becomes unable to perform more than two of the six ADLs without assistance.

For more information regarding the importance of this measure and the role of activities of daily living (ADLs) in planning for a senior's long term care, explore our articles, assessments and Q&A from other caregivers in the Caregiver Forum.