As our loved ones age, it's natural for some of their abilities to decline. Simple everyday tasks may begin to take longer, feel more difficult, or even become unsafe. They are commonly referred to as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
These are the basic self-care tasks that most people do daily without much thought, like eating, dressing, or bathing. However, when an elderly person begins to struggle with these, it's often a sign that additional care or support is needed.
Understanding what these activities are and identifying when your older loved one is having trouble with them is crucial. It can help you take action and ensure they maintain their dignity, safety, and quality of life.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the six main ADLs and explain why any struggle with them signals that it might be time to get help.
Maintaining Personal Hygiene
Bathing is one of the most physically challenging ADLs for elderly individuals. These activities that we always thought of as simple require balance, flexibility, and strength, all of which can decline with age.
Slippery bathroom floors or the need to bend or step into a bathtub can become safety hazards. If your loved one is skipping baths, not changing clothes, or has an unpleasant body odor, it may be because they’re finding it too difficult or even scary to bathe alone.
Unable to maintain personal hygiene can also lead to skin infections or other health issues. This can also affect their self-esteem and impact their social life. If you notice these changes, it’s a strong indicator that they need help either with supervision or hands-on assistance.
Dressing
Getting dressed might seem like a simple task, but for elderly individuals with arthritis, tremors, or poor balance, it can be a frustrating challenge. Managing buttons, zippers, or putting on shoes can be hard when fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be. Choosing appropriate clothing for the weather or occasion can also be confusing for seniors with cognitive decline.
If you notice that your loved one is wearing the same clothes for several days in a row, struggling with putting on garments, or dressing inappropriately for the season, these are signs they need support. Assistance with dressing helps maintain personal comfort, dignity, and confidence throughout the day.
Preparing for the Daily Meal
While many elderly people can still eat on their own, preparing food and feeding themselves can become difficult over time. They might have problems with chewing, swallowing, or even holding utensils. Additionally, some seniors may forget to eat, lose their appetite due to medication side effects, or choose unhealthy meals that are easier to prepare.
If your elder family member is losing weight, appears weak, or shows signs of malnutrition, it may be because they are not eating properly. They may need help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, or even direct feeding. Ensuring regular and nutritious meals is crucial for maintaining health and energy levels.
Going to the Toilet
Toileting is a deeply personal and private activity, but one that becomes increasingly difficult for elderly individuals, especially those with mobility issues or cognitive conditions like dementia. Navigating to the bathroom in time, managing clothing, or cleaning up afterward can all present challenges. Incontinence or difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels can also be distressing and embarrassing.
Signs such as frequent accidents, strong odors, or avoidance of social situations may point to toileting issues. These struggles not only affect personal hygiene but can also lead to infections or skin problems.
Mobility
Mobility includes the ability to walk, stand, sit, or move from a bed to a chair. When a senior has difficulty with balance or coordination, even a short trip to the bathroom or kitchen can be risky. Falls are one of the most common reasons for hospital visits among the elderly, and many occur while moving around at home.
If your loved one is hesitant to walk, shows signs of fear when standing up, or avoids moving altogether, they may be at risk of falling. This might be a sign that they need a caregiver to assist with walking or transitioning from one position to another. Preventing falls is one of the most important aspects of senior care, and it starts with recognizing mobility limitations.
Continence
Loss of continence means that your loved one won’t be able to control their bladder and bowel movements. It is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to skin infections, emotional distress, and social withdrawal. Some seniors may not even realize they have a problem, especially if they’re in the early stages of cognitive decline.
You may notice signs such as frequent laundry loads, a reluctance to go out, or the presence of adult diapers. If not addressed properly, incontinence can lower a person’s confidence and reduce their quality of life. With proper care, your loved one can continue to live comfortably and with dignity.
When to Seek Help?
It’s easy to overlook these changes when they happen slowly. But when your elder parent or loved one begins struggling with any of the six ADLs, it is a clear signal that they need help. The earlier you take action, the better their chances of continuing to live safely and comfortably at home.
Support doesn’t always mean full-time care. Sometimes, a few hours of assistance each day is enough to make a big difference. What matters most is that your loved one has someone they can rely on to help them through their day-to-day tasks while maintaining their independence as much as possible.
Finding the Right Caregiver for Daily Living Support
At Luce, we understand how important it is to find compassionate and reliable caregivers for your elderly family members. Our trained home caregivers can assist with ADLs with kindness and respect.
