What does the term "activities of daily living" (ADLs) refer to?

The term "activities of daily living" (ADLs) specifically refers to the fundamental self-care tasks that individuals typically perform daily to maintain personal independence and quality of life. These activities include essential tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting. Understanding ADLs is crucial for personal support workers, as their role often involves assisting clients with these basic self-care tasks, particularly when clients may have limitations due to age, illness, or disability.

ADLs do not encompass complex medical procedures, which are typically performed by healthcare professionals, nor do they include community involvement activities or public health initiatives, which relate to larger social and health goals rather than individual self-care. Recognizing the importance of ADLs allows personal support workers to effectively support the autonomy and dignity of those they assist.