Why Do Activities of Daily Living Matter?
Understanding the Seven Activities of Daily Living
A Quick Reference from Next Chapter Care Academy
When it comes to long-term care planning, few concepts are as important as the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These are the basic tasks we all perform to care for ourselves each day. Understanding them is the first step in recognizing when a loved one may need additional help — and in planning effectively for future care.
The Seven ADLs
Bathing & Personal Hygiene
Being able to bathe, groom, and maintain personal cleanliness.Dressing
Selecting appropriate clothing and dressing independently.Eating
Feeding oneself, whether or not meals are prepared by someone else.Transferring
Moving from one position or place to another, such as getting in and out of bed or a chair.Mobility
The ability to walk or move about safely, with or without assistive devices.Toileting
Getting to and from the toilet and maintaining personal hygiene afterward.Continence
Managing or controlling bladder and bowel function.
Why ADLs Matter
ADLs are used by healthcare providers, insurers, and long-term care programs to measure a person’s level of independence and determine what kind of assistance or services are needed. Understanding them can help you:
Identify early signs that extra care may be needed.
Plan ahead for home care, assisted living, or nursing support.
Navigate benefit programs such as Medicaid long-term care coverage.
💡 Free Resource:
Download our Quick Reference Guide to the Activities of Daily Living — a simple, printable chart you can keep on hand to track changes and plan for the next chapter in care.
