Activities of Daily Living

What Are Activities of Daily Living?

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the essential tasks we carry out every day to look after ourselves and participate in our communities. Occupational therapists usually group these into two categories. Basic ADLs cover personal self-care such as showering, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving around the home. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are the more complex tasks that support living independently, such as meal preparation, household tasks, managing finances, shopping, and using transport.

When injury, disability, ageing, or a health condition makes these activities difficult, activities of daily living occupational therapy can help a person develop the skills, routines, and strategies needed to regain independence. The focus is always on the daily living tasks that matter most to each individual.

What an Activities of Daily Living Assessment Involves

An activities of daily living assessment is a structured evaluation by a registered occupational therapist that looks at how a person manages their everyday tasks. The ADL assessment is usually carried out in the person's own home so the therapist can see how they move through a real daily routine rather than a clinic setting. It combines interview, clinical observation, and standardised tools where appropriate.

A typical ADL assessment covers:

• Personal care - showering, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Mobility and transfers - moving safely around the home and community
• Meal preparation - planning, cooking, and kitchen safety
• Household tasks - cleaning, laundry, and home management
• Community access - using public transport, shopping, and social participation
• Medication and health management routines
• Environmental barriers, falls risks, and home safety considerations

Where a broader picture of function is required, an ADL assessment may form part of a wider functional capacity assessment, which examines daily living, mobility, and participation across all relevant domains.

Areas Assessed in Daily Living

Personal care occupational therapy focuses on the self-care tasks people complete each day. Our occupational therapists look closely at how a person carries out personal care such as showering, dressing, and grooming, and at the instrumental tasks that keep a household running, including meal preparation, cleaning, and managing appointments. We also consider mobility, because safe movement underpins almost every daily living task.

Assessing these areas in the home environment helps identify where small changes can make a meaningful difference, whether that is a different technique, a new routine, or equipment such as assistive technology or home modifications.

Who Benefits from an ADL Assessment?

An activities of daily living assessment can support a wide range of people, including:

• NDIS participants who need evidence of daily living needs for a plan or plan review
• Older adults experiencing age-related changes that affect safety and independence at home
• People with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, or acquired brain injury
• People recovering from injury or surgery who need to rebuild daily living skills
• People living with mental health conditions where daily routines and self-care are affected
• Families and carers seeking a clear picture of the support a person needs day to day

How Occupational Therapy Builds Independence in Daily Living

After the assessment, our occupational therapists work with the person to set meaningful goals and put practical strategies in place. Therapy is delivered in the home and community so skills are developed in the settings where they are actually used. We use task analysis, graded activities, and evidence-based techniques to build capacity over time.

Every person has different priorities. Our approach centres on the goals that matter most to each individual, whether that is preparing a meal independently, catching public transport, or managing a morning routine without assistance. We also recommend equipment and environmental changes where these can reduce effort, improve safety, and support independent daily living.

NDIS Capacity Building - Daily Activity

Activities of daily living occupational therapy is typically funded under the NDIS Capacity Building - Daily Activity budget. Our occupational therapists work with participants and their support coordinators to ensure therapy aligns with NDIS plan goals. We provide regular progress reports and plan review documentation.

• Funded under NDIS Capacity Building - Daily Activity
• Individualised goal setting and progress tracking
• Support for plan reviews and reporting

Activities of Daily Living FAQs

What are activities of daily living?

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the everyday tasks we do to look after ourselves and live independently. Basic ADLs include personal care such as showering, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating. Instrumental ADLs are more complex tasks such as meal preparation, household tasks, shopping, managing money, and using transport.

What is an ADL assessment?

An ADL assessment is a structured evaluation by a registered occupational therapist of how a person manages their daily living tasks, from personal care to meal preparation and mobility. It is usually carried out in the home and combines interview, observation, and standardised tools to identify strengths, barriers, and the supports that would help.

Who needs an activities of daily living assessment?

People who find daily tasks difficult due to disability, ageing, injury, or a health condition can benefit from an activities of daily living assessment. It is also commonly requested for NDIS participants who need evidence of their daily living needs for a plan or plan review.

Is an ADL assessment NDIS funded?

ADL assessment and therapy are typically funded under the NDIS Capacity Building - Daily Activity budget, or from Improved Daily Living supports. Support coordinators, plan managers, families, and self-managed participants can refer directly. You can submit a referral online at any time.

How does occupational therapy help with daily living?

Occupational therapy helps with daily living by assessing current abilities, setting meaningful goals, and teaching practical strategies and techniques. Therapists may also recommend assistive technology, home modifications, or changes to routines that make personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks safer and more manageable.

Servicing Melbourne and Liverpool

Ergo Therapy Group is a registered NDIS provider delivering activities of daily living occupational therapy across Melbourne VIC and Liverpool NSW. To discuss an ADL assessment or how we can support you or a participant you work with, call us on 0450 874 303 or contact our admin team.