Each ADL has a specific legal definition. Understanding each helps you — and a doctor assessing you — know when the trigger has been met.
1
🚿
Bathing
Washing oneself by sponge bath, or in a tub or shower, including the task of getting into and out of the tub or shower.
When triggeredYou cannot safely bathe yourself without the physical help or close supervision of another person.
2
👕
Dressing
Putting on and taking off all items of clothing and any necessary braces, fasteners, or artificial limbs.
When triggeredYou require substantial assistance to dress yourself — zippers, buttons, shoes, and prosthetics included.
3
🚽
Toileting
Getting to and from the toilet, getting on and off the toilet, and performing associated personal hygiene.
When triggeredYou need help with any part of toileting — mobility, transfer, cleaning, or clothing management.
4
🛍
Transferring
Moving into or out of a bed, chair, or wheelchair.
When triggeredYou cannot safely move between surfaces without hands-on help or significant equipment assistance.
5
💥
Continence
The ability to maintain control of bowel and bladder function — or, when unable, to perform associated personal hygiene including care of a catheter or colostomy bag.
When triggeredYou are incontinent and need help managing hygiene, appliances, or scheduled toileting.
6
🍽
Eating
Feeding oneself by getting food into the body from a receptacle (such as a plate or cup), or by a feeding tube or intravenously.
When triggeredYou cannot feed yourself without physical help — note this is about feeding, not about meal preparation.
