Types of Activities of Daily Living

Types of Home Activities Home Care Performs

Activities of Daily Living are common tasks we all do to live an independent life.  These activities or tasks below fall into three general categories Personal Care Assistance (Activities of Daily Living - ADLs), Lifestyle Support (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living - iADLs), and Activity Assistance (Domestic Activities of Daily Living - dADLs).

As we grow older, our needs vary across all categories based on our physical and mental capabilities. Domestic Activities of Daily Living (dADLs), an example being hobbies, tend to be the first type of activities we stop doing. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs), an example being cleaning our homes, are activities we first seek additional support in doing such as hiring a house cleaner. These don't threaten our independence and with that little help, seniors can remain in their homes. The third category is called activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs cannot be avoided or skipped without affecting health and safety. They directly tie to one's independence and with home care providers such as Connected Home Care getting help in these areas is what allows someone to remain in their home healthy and safe.

It is common for older individuals to need help performing iADLs before ADLs activities. While they desire to perform the different levels of activities safely and successfully, it is important to seek a professional assessment if you have concerns. Because of pride and fear of losing one's independence, seniors are not known to ask for help which puts them at risk of being in an unsafe situation which could result in a trip to the hospital.

Personal Care Assistance or Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of Daily Living or ADLs consist of self-care tasks. One way to think about it is that they are the things people do when they get up in the morning and get ready to leave their house.

• Get into/out of bed or chair
• Toilet hygiene
• Bathing or Showering
• Getting Dressed
• Personal hygiene
• Eating
• Walking / Climbing Stairs
• Safety /emergency responses

Lifestyle Support or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs)

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living or iADLs are activities related to living independently by themselves or taking care of a spouse, partner or child. They are not activities related to fundamental functioning.

• Shopping/ Getting Groceries
• Transportation (Driving/Public)
• Preparing meals
• Managing Medication
• Using Phone/Technology
• Cleaning / Maintaining home
• Running Errands / Appointments
• Managing Finances

Activity Assistance or Domestic Activities of Daily Living (dADLs)

Domestic Activities of Daily Living or dADLs include playing a musical instrument or engaging in fine art such as painting or working with clay, aerobic exercise such as riding a bike or hiking, and mental exercise of doing puzzles or learning new things. Important activities in measuring the quality of one's life but these commonly no longer done once an individual is no longer physically able to do it.

• Companionship/Socialization
• Lite exercise
• Exertive exercise
• Mental exercise
• Hobbies requiring dexterity or fine motor skill
• Care of others
• Care of pets
• Activities in the community

While each senior ages differently the common need for ADL support happens with the early loss function is hygiene, the mid-loss functions are toilet use and motion/transferring, and the late loss function is eating.

Ready to set started. Schedule a Free in-home assessment!

To help you determine what level of assistance makes the most sense for you or your family member, we offer a free, in-home assessment by a registered nurse. These assessments evaluate an individual’s physical, social and cognitive well-being. A home safety check is also a part of this initial assessment. Our nurses have years of experience approaching the many sensitivities associated with beginning home care or changing services for older adults at home. Call today to learn more or schedule a complimentary assessment.