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Independent living is the ability to maintain one’s residence and lifestyle without custodial or medical assistance.[1] A way to gauge someone’s ability to live independently is by evaluating if they are able to perform activities of daily living (ADL). ADLs are the things we normally do on a daily basis, including any daily activity we perform for self-care, such as bathing, dressing and undressing, eating, transferring from bed to chair, and back, voluntarily control of urinary and fecal discharge, using the toilet, walking (not bedridden).[2][3]
Unlike ADLs, instrumental activities of daily living are not necessary for fundamental functioning, but they enable an individual to live independently within a community. Instrumental ADLs might include light housework, preparing meals, taking medications, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone, and managing money.[4]
References:
1. Helpguide.org. (n.d.) Independent Living for Seniors: A Retirement Community of Peers. Retrieved from July 3, 2009, from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/independent_living_seniors_retirement.htm.
2. MedicineNet.com. (October 21, 1998). Definition of ADLs (activities of daily living). Retrieved July 3, 2009 from the MedicineNet.com Web Site: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2152.
3. McDowell, Ian and Newell, Claire. Measuring Health: A Guide to Rating Scales and Questionnaires, second edition. Oxford University Press, 1996.
4. Bookman, Ann, Harrington, Mona, Pass, L, and Reisner, Elizabeth. Family Caregiver Handbook. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007.
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