What Are ADLs? Understanding Activities of Daily Living for Aging Adults

When it comes to staying safe, independent, and comfortable at home, the little things make a big difference. From getting dressed in the morning to preparing a simple meal, these daily routines are collectively known as Activities of Daily Living, or “ADLs.”

As aging adults begin to experience physical or cognitive changes, these once-simple tasks may become difficult or even unsafe to manage alone. That’s where home care steps in to offer the right support at the right time, always with dignity and respect.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to the fundamental self-care tasks that a person performs every day to live independently. These are the personal routines we often take for granted until they become challenging.

You might also hear about Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). While ADLs are the core physical tasks, IADLs involve more complex skills like managing finances, preparing meals, or handling medications. Both are essential to maintaining independence, but ADLs are usually the first indicator that someone may need additional support.

At Amivie, we see ADLs as a window into how someone is truly living at home. When those routines start to shift, it’s often a sign that it’s time to consider extra care.

Common Activities of Daily Living

Here are the six core ADLs, with examples of how they show up in everyday life:

• Bathing and Personal Hygiene: Help with showers, sponge baths, brushing teeth, or grooming.
• Dressing: Choosing appropriate clothes and putting them on independently.
• Eating: Being able to feed oneself, even if meals are prepared by someone else.
• Toileting: Getting to and from the bathroom, using it safely, and maintaining hygiene.
• Transferring (Mobility): Moving from bed to chair, standing up, or walking safely around the home.
• Continence: Managing bladder or bowel control, including the use of incontinence products.

Each of these tasks supports not just physical health but emotional well-being. When someone struggles with an ADL, it often leads to frustration, embarrassment, or social withdrawal.

Why ADLs Matter in Senior Home Care

ADLs are at the heart of most home care assessments. Whether you’re considering support for a parent or thinking about your own needs, understanding someone’s ability to complete these tasks helps create a truly personal care plan.

Every care plan at Amivie begins with listening and understanding what matters most to the person receiving care. That could mean help with just a few ADLs, or more comprehensive daily support. Our caregivers, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and personal care aides, are trained to offer assistance that empowers clients, rather than replacing their independence.

When ADLs become difficult, family caregivers often step in, but this can quickly lead to burnout. That’s where home care offers relief, restoring balance while ensuring loved ones get professional, compassionate support.

Signs Your Loved One May Need Help With ADLs

Wondering if it’s time to consider home care? Here are common signs that someone may be struggling with daily living tasks:

• Wearing the same clothes for days
• Missed meals or spoiled food in the fridge
• Difficulty standing, sitting, or getting out of bed
• Unpleasant body odor or poor grooming
• Accidents or incontinence issues
• Unexplained bruises or frequent falls
• Increased forgetfulness or confusion
• Withdrawal from activities or visitors

How Home Care Services Support Daily Living

Our caregivers provide hands-on support with all six ADLs, adapting to each person’s preferences and routines. But we go beyond physical assistance. Through our unique caregiver matching process, we ensure that every caregiver is skilled and personally compatible with the client. Whether it’s sharing a sense of humor, speaking the same language, or simply having the right energy, we believe good care starts with the right connection.

Here’s how Amivie makes a difference:

• Personalized care plans created with input from clients and families
• Consistency and reliability, thanks to low caregiver turnover
• Dignified, in-home support that avoids institutional settings
• Ongoing supervision and feedback, so care evolves with changing needs

We also work closely with families, especially when adult children are managing care from a distance. Our approach brings peace of mind, knowing your loved one is supported by a team that shows up, checks in, and truly cares.

FAQs About Daily Living Support

What’s the difference between ADLs and IADLs?

ADLs are basic self-care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) are more complex routines required for independent living, such as managing finances, preparing meals, or using transportation. 

Are ADLs covered by insurance or Medicare?

Coverage depends on the situation. In many cases, Medicaid waivers or long-term care insurance may help cover the costs of personal care related to ADLs. Traditional Medicare does not usually cover non-medical home care unless it’s part of a skilled nursing benefit. At Amivie, our financial counselors help families explore all options to find a plan that suits their needs.

Who performs ADL assessments?

A nurse completes ADL assessments as part of the intake process. At Amivie, a nurse visits your home to evaluate current abilities, discuss goals, and develop a personalized care plan that honors your loved one’s lifestyle and dignity.

Find Everyday Care You Can Trust.

Needing help with daily tasks is a natural part of aging, and the right support can make all the difference. If you’re noticing changes in a parent or loved one, or just want to plan ahead, we’re here to talk, listen, and guide you through the options. 

Let’s build a plan together. Contact Amivie today to schedule your in-home care consultation.