Occupational Therapy focuses on activities of daily living (ADL) because they are the foundation of independent living. ADL are further broken down into two categories: Basic ADL and Instrumental ADL.
Basic ADL (BADL)
- Eating
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Transferring, such as getting in and out of the bed, chair, bathtub, or shower
Instrumental ADL (IADL) require more complex cognitive functioning than BADL and include:
- Preparing meals
- Setting up and managing medications
- Community mobility
- Managing finances
- Using the telephone
- Writing or using the computer
- Cleaning and doing the laundry
- Shopping and running errand
If patients are having difficulty in any of these areas our occupational therapists can help. We use a patient-centered approach to determine which activities are most important in establishing goals. Patients are evaluated for limitations in strength, coordination, or cognition, which could affect their ability to complete these tasks. Therapists can then recommend ways to modify the task or the environment to maximize safety and independence with ADL. Patients may also be taught strategies to compensate for their limitations, including using various assistive devices, or adaptive equipment, that can help patients perform many activities of daily living.
Adaptive equipment for ADL may include:
- Reacher
- Sock aid
- Dressing stick
- Long handled sponges
- Adaptive silverware
If you or someone you know is struggling to perform some of these essential tasks let us help! Call us at 320-843-1340.