What is meant by 'activities of daily living' (ADLs)?

'Activities of daily living' (ADLs) refer specifically to the basic self-care tasks that individuals need to perform daily to maintain personal hygiene, health, and overall well-being. These fundamental activities typically include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring from one position to another, such as moving from a bed to a chair.

Understanding ADLs is crucial for personal care assistants as they often help individuals who may have difficulty performing these tasks independently due to age, illness, or disability. Being able to identify and assist with ADLs allows PCAs to provide effective support, enhancing the quality of life for those they care for.

In contrast, tracking medical history, physical therapy exercises, and engaging in social activities do not fall under the definition of ADLs. Those tasks serve different purposes and require distinct skills and knowledge not directly related to the daily self-care routines encompassed by ADLs.