What is activities of daily living (adls)?

The basic self-care tasks that a person performs daily, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring (moving from bed to chair), and continence. Inability to perform ADLs is a key indicator that an older adult may need additional care.

ADLs are used by healthcare professionals, insurers, and family members to assess an elderly person's level of independence. When a senior begins struggling with one or more ADLs, it often signals the need for in-home assistance, daily monitoring, or a care transition. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are a related but more complex category — including managing finances, medication, cooking, housekeeping, and transportation. Decline in IADLs typically precedes decline in ADLs and can be detected earlier through regular daily conversations.

Related terms

Aging in Place— The ability of an older adult to live safely and independently in their own home for as long as possible, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home.Cognitive Decline— A gradual reduction in cognitive abilities — memory, reasoning, attention, and language — that goes beyond normal age-related changes.Assisted Living— A residential care option for seniors who need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication) but do not require the 24-hour medical care provided by a nursing home.

Learn more

Daily peace of mind for your family

AvenoraCall checks on your elderly parent every day with a warm AI phone call — then sends you a summary. From $29.99/month.

No credit card requiredCancel anytimeWorks on any phone