What are Activities of Daily Living?

Personal routines versus related tasks

Bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and moving around are examples of basic daily activities. Meal preparation, household tasks connected to the person’s care, and assistance with other routines are related needs often described separately. They should not all be treated as the same assessment item.

Describe the help, not just the label

“Needs help bathing” can mean different things. Explain whether the person needs reminders, someone nearby, hands-on assistance, or help with part of the task. Describe what the person can still do independently as well.

Transfers deserve the same clarity. Explain the assistance currently needed to move between a bed and chair and the equipment already used, rather than assuming an aide can safely lift someone without assessment or training.

Daily needs can vary

Tell the assessment team or agency about patterns and changes. Care should be based on an honest description of needs, not a scripted answer intended to obtain a certain approval. If a family member performs a task, explain why that help is needed.

How ADLs connect to Medicaid personal care

Assessment information helps inform care planning under the applicable program. Needing help with one activity does not automatically qualify a person or determine approved hours. Medicaid personal care and our eligibility guide explain the broader process.

If a relative already provides assistance, read our paid family caregiver page to learn what else needs review before care could become a paid role.