Every human being that exists on planet Earth must engage in specific daily duties. From working to recreational activities, it is quite obvious that humanity has a need to be very busy. Personal obligations must be executed. Sometimes they are as simple like brushing your teeth or taking a bath and sometimes they are difficult. These actions that must be carried out on a daily basis are typically referred to as "Activities of Daily Living " or simply ADLs.
Unfortunately, there are millions of people that cannot function with the simplest of tasks because of an elderly age or some type of disablement. The performance of personal hygiene, occupational responsibilities, recreational activities, etc. is curtailed as a result of these impairments. ADLs is a reoccurring term used in healthcare circles to refer to daily self-care activities within an individual's place of residence, in outdoor environments, or both. The inability to perform ADLs is sadly all too common for millions of people worldwide. This lack of functional status of the individual necessitates some sort of assistance and without it depression can set deep within the psyche of the individual. Depression can cause devastating results. People can lose the will to live because of this debilitating emotional disposition.
ADLs are typically categorized within two compartments:
1. Basic ADLs - Includes eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or shower, and using the toilet. In essence, Basic ADLs have to do with the fundamental necessities of life.
2. Instrumental ADLs- Activities related to independent living and include the ability to use the telephone, get to places beyond walking distance, go shopping, prepare meals, do housework, do laundry, take medicine, and handle money. In summation, Instrumental ADLs deal in particular with actions that are not necessarily required for the "essentials" of existence.
As one ages impairment reaches greater levels as they are illustrated in a rising disability over time for those in their 60s and for those in their 70s. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are "the things we normally do" in daily living including any daily activity we perform for self-care (such as feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing, grooming), work, homemaking, and leisure.
This impairment is not relegated strictly to geriatric individuals but as well to those who have been injured in some type of accident or individuals who were born with genetic abnormalities.
Because there are millions of people that are in dire need of some sort of assistance to carry out ADLs there must be something to help them. Mobility aids are specific devices that can ensure that the elderly and the disabled can carry out their daily activities with dignity. Mobility aids include but are not limited to the following:
Walking Aids- includes assisted canes, crutches, and walkers. These devices improve stability by providing additional points of contact as the individual endeavors to traverse horizontally. Additionally, they help to reduce lower limb loading and assist in generating movement.
Wheelchairs and Scooters -These vehicle type instruments substitute for walking by providing a wheeled device on which the user sits. Wheelchairs may be either manually propelled (by the user or by an aide) or electrically powered. Mobility scooters are electrically powered.
Stairlifts - A stairlift is a mechanical device for lifting people and wheelchairs up and down stairs. Sometimes special purpose lifts are provided elsewhere to facilitate access for the disabled.
Bath lifts - They are designed to help people get in and out of the bathtub safely. They gently lower the body into the tub and after the person enjoys a relaxing bath, they gently raise them to the top. There are so many types of bath lifts in the market, that it is a difficult choice for the buyer. However, it certainly helps knowing what is available, helping one decide what they want. Different ones cater to different needs.
As long as mankind lives, he or she must engage in some sort of activity. This is vital for survival. From the mundane to the complex, existence requires many types of actions to be carried out in a functional capacity. This is what "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs) are defined as. It is unfortunate that multitudes of individuals that exist on planet Earth cannot execute these activities in particular. Fortunately, mankind has developed these wonderful mobility aids to assist these individuals in their time of consternation and depression. Happiness, contentment, and self-esteem can once again be restored to the elderly and the disabled.
Visit Home Accessibility For Aids to Assist in ADL's
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