A Guide to ADLs: What They Are & Why They Matter
As youth gives way to old age, maturity is required to embrace the changes in our bodies. With every birthday, we celebrate the gift of life and let go of some of the gifts of our youth. But, with some smart planning and a free consultation with Amada Senior Care, we can make this a comfortable and positive experience.
Accepting and gracefully embracing that there are things we need to work harder at or help with is healthy and requires the wisdom of a lifetime. Things like taking special care to be safe while bathing, conscientiously making an effort to build and maintain muscle mass, or even knowing you might need someone to drive you around and help you with grocery shopping can increase your quality of life and even save your life.
These self-care activities are called Activities of daily living, or ADLs. If we are unable to perform these activities, we are no longer independent and at risk of injuries that might worsen our condition. This is why ADLs are at the root of our services at Amada Senior Care, and we are happy to provide you with a free consultation if you need to explore your options; we have a lot of experience and a single call can usually reduce a lot of anxiety and confusion around the subject of in-home companionship and assistance with ADLs.
Being able to get assistance with ADLs means being able to keep living in one’s own home, maintaining one’s quality of life, and retaining a certain level of independence. In other words, prolonging these gifts of youth a few years more and being able to share more leisure time with your loved ones as a result.
What are the Core ADLs?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), basic ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) are essential tasks necessary for maintaining one’s physical well-being. These include personal hygiene and grooming, dressing, toileting, transferring or ambulating, and eating. When creating a care plan for older adults, it’s crucial to address these fundamental activities to ensure comprehensive care.
- Ambulation (Moving Around): How easily someone can get from place to place and walk independently. For example, visiting healthcare providers or help accessing and using public transportation.
- Nutrition: The ability to feed oneself. This includes meal preparation, managing food storage, and disposing of waste.
- Clothing: Choosing and putting on the appropriate clothing, washing and drying, storing, buying, and discarding clothing.
- Personal Care: Showering, grooming, and keeping teeth, nails, and hair clean.
- Bladder and bowel control: Managing bladder and bowel functions.
- Using the bathroom: Getting to and from the toilet, using it properly, and cleaning up afterward. Bathroom maintenance and hygiene, especially when continence is a challenge.
Amada Senior Care also includes other essential activities of daily living on this list:
- Doing Errands: Driving you or your loved one to and from the grocery store, doctors appointments or just to get out of the house for a while.
- Most non-medical assistance: Assisting with Medication Reminders, Light Housekeeping & Companionship.
At Amada Senior Care, we understand that paying for in-home care can be complex. We also provide advice on managing long-term care insurance and help you find any available VA benefits.
Why are ADLs Important?
ADLs are essential because:
They contribute to a person’s autonomy and well-being.
- Independence: Performing ADLs empowers seniors to maintain control over their lives and routines, fostering a sense of autonomy and dignity.
- Physical Health: Regular engagement in ADLs helps prevent muscle atrophy, stiffness, and falls, promoting physical health and mobility.
- Mental Health: Completing ADLs boosts self-esteem, reduces feelings of dependence, and contributes to a positive mental outlook.
- Social Interaction: ADLs often involve interaction with others, such as caregivers or family members, which helps prevent social isolation and loneliness.
- Safety: Difficulty with ADLs can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and health complications.
- Planning for the future: Early identification of difficulties with ADLs can help plan appropriately, considering home modifications, tailored care plans, Resource allocations, and preventive measures.
Strategies to Maintain or Improve ADL Abilities
Maintaining or improving ADL abilities is crucial for seniors’ independence and quality of life. Here are some key strategies for family caregivers to assist Seniors in their ADLs:
Assistive Devices
- Adaptive equipment: Can help with daily life tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating.
- Home modifications: Making adjustments to the living environment for safety and accessibility.
Exercise Programs
- Strength building: Gain muscle mass and improve balance.
- Aerobic exercise: Enhances cardiovascular health and endurance.
- Flexibility exercises: Increases range of motion and prevents stiffness.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists can:
- Skill development: Teaches new ways to perform tasks or adapt to limitations.
- Assistive device training: Guides using assistive technology effectively.
- Home safety assessment: Identifies potential hazards and recommends modifications.
Other Strategies
- Regular health check-ups: Early detection of conditions that may impact ADLs.
- Proper nutrition: Supports overall health and energy levels.
- Social interaction: Maintains cognitive function and emotional well-being.
- Caregiver support: Provides assistance and respite for caregivers. Call Amada Senior Care or fill out this form to schedule a free consultation and get a better idea of the budget, time frame, and benefits offered by Amada Senior Care.
Ultimately, aging gracefully means embracing life’s changes while maintaining independence and quality of life. By understanding the importance of ADLs and seeking support when needed, you or your loved one can enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Amada Senior Care is here to partner with you on this journey, offering personalized care and peace of mind. Call us today to create a brighter, more fulfilling chapter in yours or your loved one’s life.
- References:
- Terri Walsh’s Guide to Understanding Bone Density – Active Resistance Training®. https://online-personaltraining-nyc.com/terri-walshs-guide-to-understanding-bone-density/
- https://www.atrainceu.com/content/8-assistance-activities-daily-living-adls
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470404/
- Boost Health & Happiness: Senior Fitness Classes in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary & Montreal | Santé Active. https://www.santeactive.ca/en/group-fitness-seniors
Call us at Amada North Houston today at 832-209-8846 for a personalized care plan to support ADLs either for yourself or a senior loved one.