If your senior loved one is unable to get through their day without help, you should start finding resources that can offer the support they need. When you contact a home health care company, you will be asked about your loved one’s ability to carry out activities of daily living or ADLs. ADLs are the basic skills necessary for caring for oneself and meeting one’s physical needs in areas such as eating, toileting, dressing, mobility, bathing, and continence. Learn more about ADLs and the importance of personal health care by reading on:
ADLs During Aging
A senior may not be able to perform activities of daily living because of a medical problem or general weakness due to aging. The majority of family members become aware of their elderly loved one’s decline through changes in their looks and routines.
As older adults age, they can experience physical declines or impairments. Health conditions that impact musculoskeletal, circulatory, sensory, or neurological systems may also impact the ability of an elderly person to perform ADLs. In addition, self-care can become harder and unsafe due to social isolation, some home characteristics, and medication side effects.
As many elderly people prefer to keep their independence for a long time, they may not tell their family members about the increased difficulties they are experiencing. They may fear being asked to move to a nursing home, away from their comfort zone. But assessing the ability or inability of a senior to carry out ADLs is important to establish a personalized care plan that allows them to live independently and safely in their homes.
Importance of ADLs
A senior’s ability to function and care for themselves can significantly affect their quality of life. ADL changes can result from underlying medical conditions; however, not recognizing such growing needs can contribute to health issues. When a senior’s need for ADLs help is not met, they could suffer from malnutrition, isolation, falls, and poor personal hygiene. Ensuring they have the everyday care they need can prevent the development of health problems, reduce the overall care-related costs, and delay or even eliminate the need for them to be sent to a care institution. Usually, an older adult’s ability to do ADLs is used for determining the kinds of care and settings suitable for them. If they require assistance with ADLs, they need to hire in-home care or get it from a loved one who will care for them.
