Activity of daily living (ADL)
The basic tasks performed on a daily basis in order to engage in daily routine. Can include bathing, toileting, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, hygiene, and eating skills. Persons are considered to have an chronic ADL limitation if they have need of help from another person with personal care needs because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem. A person can also be diagnosed as having an ADL limitation if they have any difficulty performing an activity by himself or herself and without special equipment, or did not perform the activity at all because of health problems.
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