ADL
Pronunciation: ay-dee-el
Also written as: ADL — Activity of Daily Living
Abbreviation for Activity (or Activities) of Daily Living, used extensively in geriatric rehabilitation documentation to denote routine self-care tasks.
Full Definition
ADL is the standard abbreviation for Activity of Daily Living (singular) or Activities of Daily Living (plural, ADLs). It appears throughout geriatric rehabilitation records, outcome reports, and care plans as a shorthand for the spectrum of self-care and functional tasks that define independent living. Editors should verify consistent pluralisation — 'ADLs' with a lowercase 's' when plural, not 'ADL's' with an apostrophe. The abbreviation should follow a full-form introduction on first use. Related abbreviations include IADL (instrumental) and BADL (basic), which must not be used interchangeably with ADL without qualification.
Usage
Usage note: Plural is 'ADLs' (no apostrophe). Introduce the full form before using the abbreviation. Do not conflate ADL with IADL.
In Context
- "The care plan specified goals for ADL retraining, including independent dressing and safe transfers." — Occupational therapy care plan
- "Decline in ADL function was noted within three weeks of hospital admission." — Geriatric ward progress note