If you’re exploring home care options for an aging parent or loved one, you may come across the term “ADLs” — short for Activities of Daily Living. Understanding what ADLs are can help you make informed decisions about the type of care and support your loved one may need.

What Are ADLs?

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the basic, everyday tasks that most of us do without thinking — the things that allow a person to live independently and with dignity. These include:

  1. Bathing – Being able to bathe or shower safely and maintain personal hygiene.

  2. Dressing – Choosing appropriate clothing and getting dressed each day.

  3. Eating – The ability to feed oneself (even if meals are prepared by someone else).

  4. Transferring – Moving safely from one position to another, such as getting in and out of bed or a chair.

  5. Toileting – Getting to and from the bathroom and managing personal needs.

  6. Continence – Having control over bladder and bowel functions.

When seniors begin to struggle with one or more of these activities, it’s often a sign that they could benefit from some form of daily assistance.

Why ADLs Matter in Home Care

Home care agencies often use ADLs as part of their care assessment to understand a client’s needs. This helps determine what kind of support is appropriate — whether it’s a few hours of help each day or more consistent, hands-on care.

For example:

  • A senior who needs help with bathing and dressing may only need a few hours of daily support.

  • Someone who struggles with multiple ADLs may need a more comprehensive care plan to ensure their safety and well-being.

IADLs: The Next Level of Support

In addition to ADLs, professionals also consider Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These are the more complex tasks that help a person live independently, such as:

  • Preparing meals

  • Managing medications

  • Doing laundry or light housekeeping

  • Handling finances

  • Using transportation

If your loved one is finding these tasks difficult, in-home caregivers can provide the extra help needed to maintain independence and peace of mind.

How Home Care Can Help

Home care services are designed to bridge the gap between independence and safety. A professional caregiver can help your loved one with ADLs and IADLs while providing companionship, encouragement, and a sense of security at home.

Whether your loved one needs help just a few hours a week or more regular assistance, home care allows them to age in place comfortably — surrounded by the familiarity and warmth of home.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’ve noticed your loved one having difficulty with daily activities, it may be time to explore how home care can help.
Contact us today for a free in-home assessment — we’ll take the time to understand your family’s needs and create a personalized care plan that ensures comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Call 954-856-2189.

If you or someone you know is interested in care management or home healthcare services in South Florida, FirstLantic can help. We are locally owned and operated, providing our patients with the highest quality in-home care services in Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), as well as in-home care services in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County), North Miami (Miami-Dade) and Jupiter (Treasure Coast) since 2000. Click here to contact us.