Self-Care

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to those activities involved in caring for one’s own body. They enable basic survival and well-being. 

• Bathing, showering
  Toileting and toilet hygiene
• Dressing
• Swallowing/eating
• Feeding
• Functional mobility (moving from one place to another, changing position, walking, carrying objects, etc.)
• Personal device care (hearing aids, contact lenses, glasses, adaptive equipment, orthotics, etc.)
• Personal hygiene and grooming (hair/nail care, shaving, etc.)
• Rest and Sleep (Sleep preparation & participation)

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex activities that support daily life within the home and community.

• Care of others (siblings, pets, grandparents)
• Functional communication (sending and receiving information, socializing, using phone/technology, reading/writing)
• Community mobility (moving around the community, using public transportation, bicycling
• Health management (physical fitness, nutrition, medication, doctor/dental appointments)
• Home management (maintaining clothing, fixing bed, knowing how to seek help, doing laundry, sweeping/vacuuming, etc.)
• Meal preparation and clean up
• Religious and spiritual activities
• Safety and emergency maintenance (recognizing dangerous situations, when and how to contact police)
• Shopping
  
  

References

AOTA (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain & process. (3rd ed.). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy.