What does ADL stand for in healthcare?

In healthcare, ADL stands for "Activities of Daily Living." This term refers to the essential tasks and activities that individuals usually perform daily to take care of themselves. These activities typically include bathing, dressing, eating, transferring (moving from one place to another), toileting, and maintaining continence. Understanding these activities is crucial in assessing a patient's functional status and determining the level of care they may require.

Evaluating a person's ability to perform ADLs is a fundamental part of health assessments, especially for the elderly or those with disabilities, as it helps healthcare providers develop effective care plans tailored to individual needs. The term emphasizes the importance of basic self-care skills and how they are fundamental to a person's independence and overall well-being.