When Aging Parents Struggle: Understanding Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

What Happens When Simple Daily Tasks Start to Feel Hard for Our Aging Parents?

by Jami Shapiro, CSA

Founder of Silver Linings Transitions/ Certified Senior Advisor/ Podcast Host/ Speaker/ Coach

Activities of Daily Living for Aging Parents are the essential tasks your loved ones need to manage daily to stay healthy and independent. Maybe you’ve noticed subtle changes, like your mom wearing the same sweater for days or your dad, who was once meticulous about grooming, now forgetting to shave. These shifts in everyday habits can be early signs that your aging parents might be struggling with their Activities of Daily Living.

Understanding how well your aging parents perform these Activities of Daily Living can help you recognize when they need support, ensuring their safety and well-being.

What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and Why Should You Care?

Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs, are the essential tasks that every person needs to manage in order to live independently and maintain their health and well-being. These include things like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around.

For seniors, the ability to perform these tasks on their own often reflects their overall physical and cognitive health. When these abilities decline, it’s usually a signal that your loved one may need some extra help or care.

Understanding ADLs helps families in many ways. It provides a clear way to assess your parent’s current level of independence, identify potential safety risks, and plan for the right kind of support—whether that means making small adjustments at home, hiring help, or considering other care options.

The Six Key Activities of Daily Living

Bathing/Personal Hygiene
- Washing the body, face, and hair
- Maintaining oral hygiene (brushing teeth, dentures)
- Grooming (shaving, nail care)
Dressing
- Selecting appropriate clothing
- Putting on and removing clothes
- Managing fasteners like buttons, zippers, and ties
Toileting
- Using the bathroom independently
- Managing personal hygiene after toileting
- Managing incontinence if applicable
Transferring/Mobility
- Moving from bed to chair and vice versa
- Getting in and out of cars
- Moving around the home safely
Continence
- Controlling bowel and bladder functions
- Managing any incontinence issues appropriately
Feeding/Eating
- Bringing food and drink to the mouth
- Chewing and swallowing
- Using utensils appropriately

Why ADLs Matter for Families:

Assessment Tool: ADLs help determine how much assistance your parent may need
Safety Indicator: Difficulty with ADLs can signal safety concerns in the home
Care Planning: Understanding ADL limitations helps in planning appropriate care services
Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans, including long-term care policies, use ADL assessments to determine benefit eligibility
Independence Measurement: Tracking ADL abilities over time helps monitor changes in your parent’s condition

When to Worry: Signs Your Parent May Be Struggling With ADLs

Watch for signs that your parent is struggling with ADLs, such as:

Noticeable changes in personal hygiene or appearance
Difficulty getting dressed or wearing inappropriate clothing
Increased falls or mobility issues
Changes in eating habits or unexplained weight loss
Avoiding social activities they previously enjoyed

Next Steps:

If you notice your parent struggling with ADLs, consider:
- Consulting with their healthcare provider
- Exploring assistive devices or home modifications
- Researching in-home care services
- Discussing long-term care options

Join Our Free Webinar: Learn What to Watch For and What to Do

Caring for aging parents is a journey full of questions, challenges, and sometimes tough decisions. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

That’s why we’re inviting you to our FREE online webinar:

“The Aging Journey: Understanding the Wants and Needs of Aging Loved Ones”
🗓️ June 3 | 🕢 7:30 PM PST | 📍 Zoom

👉 [Click here to register]

This webinar will help you learn more about aging care, answer your questions, and give you tools to support your loved one’s independence and quality of life.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Understanding ADLs helps you have informed conversations with your parent, healthcare providers, and care professionals about the best ways to maintain your parent’s independence and quality of life.

If you’re ready to learn more, sign up for our webinar or reach out anytime—we’re here to walk this journey with you.