If you’re tasked with being the primary caregiver for a loved one, it comes with a lot of responsibilities, as well as a lot of potential changes to your daily life as your loved one gets older. ADLs are a concept that can provide you with some insights about how much assistance your family member may need so you can determine whether or not professional senior care may be beneficial.

What Are ADLs?

ADL stands for activities of daily living. This term refers to the things a person must do each day to care for themselves. These include things like bathing, brushing your teeth, using the bathroom, getting dressed, eating, and moving around. As a person ages, they may require help doing one or more of these activities. However, since these tasks are so basic, it’s still essential for a caregiver to help them complete each one every single day.

How Can ADLs Help Me Determine What Level of Care My Loved One Requires?

There are several different levels of senior care services available, so you need to consider your loved one’s specific needs and abilities before making these decisions. For example, if your loved one can handle all the simple ADLs currently, then they may need you to help them with things that require leaving home, like grocery shopping. However, if they have trouble bathing or getting dressed, then they need daily assistance that might go beyond what you can reasonably provide. If that’s the case, then an assisted living facility or senior care complex may be a more realistic and helpful solution.

If you’re looking for a senior care solution for your loved one, Inglewood Communities can help. Based in Mount Horeb, WI, Inglewood is the start of a full spectrum of top care options available from Ingleside Communities. The company offers everything from active senior apartments to a full array of assisted living solutions. In operation since 1972, the senior living facility offers residents a family atmosphere full of amenities and close-knit communities. Visit the website to learn more about the different top living options, or call (608) 437-5511 to speak with a team member.