Activities of Daily Living

• Synonyms: ADLs
• The ability of a patient to function independently in the community is determined by their ability to perform certain activities of daily living (ADLs).
• ADLs are divided into two categories: basic ADLs and instrumental ADLs.
• Basic ADLs = feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting.
• Instrumental ADLs = food shopping, food preparation, banking, laundry, housework, and use of public transportation.
• After hip fracture the vast majority of patients require assistance in performing ADLs. Only 20% to 35% of patients who were independent in ADLs before fracture will regain their prefracture ADL independence. Factors predictive of recovery of function in ADL are younger age, absence of dementia or delirium in nondemented patients, and a strong social network. (Koval KJ, JAAOS 1994;2:141)