Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Without knowing a family member or friend who has needed long term care, most people unfortunately take for granted their daily activities such as getting out of bed, using the restroom, taking a shower, putting clothes on, and getting a bite to eat.   For people with limited mobility or cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's, these basic activities can be challenging. These basic activities are called activities of daily living (ADLs).  ADLs are the very basics of independent self-care. The severity to which one is able or unable to perform ADLs is considered one of the most reliable ways to assess the need for long-term care services, and most long term care insurance policies require needing help with 2 or more.

ADLs are a measure of one’s physical and cognitive functional capacity.  Although people of all ages may have problems performing activities of daily living, the elderly are more likely to need help with their ADLs.  The need for assistance with ADLs increases dramatically for those over age 85.  Again, private insurance policies (LTC Insurance policies) and Medicaid rely on the ADLs to trigger benefits.  Two or more again are typical for most insurance policies.
All insurance policies must list the ADLs that trigger coverage. ADLs are typically defined as:

• eating
• bathing
• toileting
• dressing
• maintaining continence
• transferring (getting out of a bed or chair). 

Residents in Long Term Care Facilities need help with an average of four activities of daily living.  Some less severe cases may need help with their Instrumental Activities of Daily Living or IADLs.  These are things such as cleaning, cooking, taking out the trash, etc.