Activities of Daily Living or ADLs are the skills required to manage one’s basic physical needs. They indicate your ability to care for yourself without assistance. ADLs include the ability to bathe or shower, getting in and out of a bed or chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating.

When you notice your parent/loved one struggling with ADL’s, it’s time to evaluate how to make their home safe for them to be as independent as possible. A home safety evaluation is an important step. (Refer to blog #4 for a home safety review checklist.)

For example, let’s start our home review with the bathroom since this is where many falls occur. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Install sturdy grab bars beside the toilet (instead of using the toilet paper holder which may loosen and cause a fall.)
• Place grab bars for getting in and out of the shower.
• Add a nonskid shower mat
• Get a shower bench.
• Lastly, add a nightlight.

Next: medical devices to help with mobility.