Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the essential tasks a person is expected to participate in on a regular basis for basic well-being. There are multiple types of ADLs that a person may participate in during a typical day. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are activities that support daily life and are focused on a person's interaction with their environment. Mary Rutan Therapy and Sports Medicine's occupational therapy practitioners are trained in facilitating a person's safety and independence in participation of ADLs and IADLs. A person's ability to participate in activities of daily living may change for a number of reasons such as a medical condition, surgical procedure, TBI, CVA or general decline in function. The following are examples of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living that an occupational therapy practitioner may facilitate increased independence with:
Activities of daily living (ADLs):
- Bathing and showering
- Toileting and hygiene
- Dressing
- Eating
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Functional transfers
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs):
- Care of others
- Care of pets
- Driving and community mobility
- Financial management
- Health management
- Meal preparation and clean up
- Safety procedure and emergency responses
- Work leisure