The activities of daily living are classified into Basic ADLs (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Basic ADLs or physical ADLs are those skills required to manage one’s basic physical needs, including personal hygiene or grooming, dressing, toileting, transferring or ambulating, and eating. Click here for an ADL scoring sheet.

The Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include more complex activities related to the ability to live independently in the community. This would include activities such as managing finances and medications, food preparation, housekeeping, and laundry. Click here for an IADL scoring sheet.