Glossary

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Definition
The six basic self-care tasks used to measure how independently a person can live: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating, and continence.

ADLs are the standard clinical measure for whether someone qualifies for long-term care insurance benefits, Medicaid long-term care, and assisted living level-of-care assessments. Most policies trigger benefits when the person needs help with two or more ADLs.

The six ADLs were defined by Sidney Katz in 1963 and remain the universal standard.

See also

Related terms

  • IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) — Eight more complex tasks that measure independent living: managing money, taking medication, shopping, cooking, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and using the phone.
  • Long-Term Care — Personal and medical care provided over an extended period to someone who cannot fully care for themselves — at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home.
  • Assisted Living — A residential setting that provides housing, meals, personal care, and 24-hour supervision for seniors who need help with daily tasks but don't need skilled medical care.

Sources

Sandwich is a directory and information site. This glossary is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your family, consult a licensed professional. Editorial policy.

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