What are these ADLs I keep hearing about?

Home health care is a whole new world for some people. Maybe you are someone who is starting to feel the effects of aging…things just aren’t as easy to do as they were just a year or two ago. Perhaps you are a family member who has been witness to one of your parents getting older at a faster pace than you’d expect. You’re starting to think that they may need some help to continue to live that independent life.

As you explore options for additional care, you’ll notice the acronym of “ADLs” being used quite frequently. The letters A, D and L stand for “Activities of Daily Living.” Although the term “activities” may sound like fun, they really are just the regular routines everyone has as they get ready for the day and as they prepare for bedtime. Generally there are six or seven common ADLs that are covered in an assessment…

• • Mobility – Are you able to move around independently or do you need the assistance of a medical device such as a cane, walker or wheelchair?
  • Transferring – Is one able to get in and out of chairs/bed alone or is assistance required?
  • Showers/Bathing – Sometimes as you get older, it may be harder to reach certain spots to clean or it may even be challenging to stand for extended amounts of time. Does this person need a shower chair? grab bars?
  • Personal Hygiene – Grooming, shaving, hair care, oral care, etc…
  • Toileting – This may include getting on and off the toilet, cleaning and getting re-dressed.
  • Dressing – Yes, sometimes people have trouble getting those arms and legs into their clothing and may need some help.
  • Eating – Needing assistance with dining isn’t as common as some of these others, but it’s something professionals like to include in the assessment. As one ages, appetites sometimes decrease and meals are overlooked. Well, to maintain our best health possible, we still need to eat three square meals a day…and maybe some goodies thrown
    in for good measure. (We all have our vices!)

So, now you know what people are talking about when you hear those letters being tossed around in a conversation…ADLs, ADLs, ADLs…Activities of Daily Living.

Just a bit of advice…be honest with yourself or your loved one during an assessment. Although it may be difficult, seniors really need to step back and take a hard look at themselves along their needs. Too often, you’ll hear people say the familiar phrases such as, “I don’t need help with that,” or “I can do that on my own.” If we aren’t willing to admit that maybe we could use a little help, it could be dangerous to one’s health. So, help the pros out and let them help you through this part of life’s journey. You won’t regret getting a little help with your ADLs.