Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Activities of daily living commonly referred to as ADLs, are based on an individual’s personal care needs and tasks of everyday life.

Some examples of ADLs are:

  • Bathing – the ability to maintain personal hygiene, including brushing teeth and combing hair.
  • Getting dressed – the ability to dress independently and pick appropriate clothes for the occasion.
  • Eating – the ability to eat independently, which includes being able to chew and swallow.
  • Continence/Toileting – the ability to get on and off a toilet alone, clean oneself and have complete control over bowel and bladder.
  • Mobility – the ability to transfer from one spot to another.