ADL Skills for Older People

Many senior citizens need assistance with ADLs or "Activities of Daily Living." They may suffer from chronic conditions, such as arthritis, that make walking or holding things difficult. If this is the case, many options exist to help these individuals. Assistive devices, such as canes, wheelchairs or extenders can be of use. Friends or family members can help the senior complete activities he finds too difficult, such as dressing or bathing. Or the senior can participate in physical or occupational therapy to increase such skills.

Walking

• Ambulating, or moving independently, is one of the major types of ADLs, and a common area of deficiency for seniors. Independent ambulation doesn't just mean walking with legs -- it can also refer to the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, rolling walkers or canes to get around. As long as the senior doesn't need help from a third party (devices do not quality), he is considered an independent ambulator.

Self-Care

• Self-care comprises many crucial ADL skills. These include bathing, attending to other personal hygiene needs, dressing, undressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed, and up and down from chairs), feeding, eliminating (using the bathroom) and even organizing and taking medications at the proper times. Without the ability to tend to these self-care needs, seniors are at risk for falls, infections, digestive disorders, malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores and unaddressed medication needs. Together with ambulating and certain other skills, self-care comprises the "basic" ADLs.

Homemaking

• Homemaking and other skills that deal with things outside the individual's body are considered "instrumental" ADLs. Homemaking includes performing chores around the house, making sure it is clean, and preparing meals. Homemaker services can sometimes be retained for seniors who can take care of their bodies but have problems performing household tasks. A few hours a week may be covered by common senior insurances, such as Medicare and Medicaid -- but this depends on the individual's coverage and needs.

Other

• Other instrumental ADLs include managing money, doctor's appointments, driving (if applicable), shopping, running errands and using communication devices, such as a telephone. If the senior cares for others, such as grandchildren, a spouse or pets, this is also an ADL. Many seniors need assistance choosing and managing their own caregivers -- tasks that can fall to family, friends or caseworkers. Seniors with cognitive issues, like Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, often have problems with these tasks. They can forget or be unable to perform tasks they did independently for years.