HELPFUL TIPS

An Easy Guide to Activities of Daily Living?

Activities of daily living is a term used to collectively describe fundamental skills that are required to independently care for oneself, such as eating, bathing and mobility.

These activities are classified on seven levels, and individual care assistance is provided accordingly.

The seven levels of Activities of Daily Living:

• Fully independent
• Independent with aid devices
• Needs supervision but manages on own
• Needs regular supervision and assistance
• Needs assistance from one person
• Needs assistance from two persons
• Needs continuous care

The activities of Daily Living are:

EATING:
Includes the use of suitable utensils to bring food to the mouth, chewing and swallowing once the meal is presented in the customary manner.

DRESSING:
this is divided into upper body (shirt, bra, dress, etc) and lower body (socks, pants, underwear) as they result in different dependency levels. This includes dressing and undressing as well as prosthesis/orthosis.

PERSONAL HYGIENE:
This includes mouth care, washing of hands and face, shaving, combing and brushing hair.

BATHING:
Includes washing, rinsing and drying the body from the neck down. Either in a bath or shower.

TOILET:
Includes getting on and off the toilet and maintaining hygiene of private parts. Adjusting clothing before and after. Includes ability to manage stoma/catheter independently.