Activity Of Daily Living

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are important tasks you do on a regular basis to take care of your body and overall well-being. ADLs include things like eating, bathing and using the bathroom — tasks you must do to keep your body functioning. ADLs can also include more complex tasks like managing your money, cooking and doing laundry — things you must do to live independently.

Some people need help doing ADLs for a short time — for example, while recovering from surgery. Others might need help for a long time, even for the rest of their lives. This might happen if you have a chronic condition that affects how well you can move, remember or solve problems.

ADLs may come up in conversation with your healthcare provider or your loved one’s care team. Understandably, this isn’t the easiest topic to talk about. You might worry that you’ll need to rely on others, or that your loved one won’t be able to live on their own anymore. These are common concerns, and healthcare providers will take the time to listen to how you feel and what you prefer. Having this open and honest conversation can help you and your family understand available options to make an informed decision.