How does a caregiver help with activities of daily living?

As the name suggests, activities of daily living (ADLs) are essential personal tasks that people do on an everyday basis. Health issues and aging may make it difficult for seniors to complete certain everyday self-care tasks that are essential to keep them healthy and safe.

Basic ADLs include six essential skills:

• Bathing and showering
  The ability to bathe and maintain personal hygiene, which can include tasks like brushing teeth, combing hair, and nail care.
• Continence
  Having complete control of bowels and bladder.
• Dressing
  The ability to select appropriate clothes and outerwear for the weather or occasion, and to get dressed independently.
• Mobility
  Being able to walk or transfer from one place to another, specifically in and out of a bed or chair.
• Feeding (excluding meal preparation)
  The ability to get food from plate to mouth, and to chew and swallow.
• Toileting
  The ability to get on and off the toilet and clean oneself without assistance.