ADLs
ADLs, which stands for Activities of Daily Living, refers to the basic self-care tasks that people need to do every day to live independently. When this term appears in resumes or job descriptions, it typically relates to helping patients or clients perform everyday activities like eating, dressing, bathing, and moving around. Healthcare workers, particularly in rehabilitation and elderly care, use this term to show their experience in assisting people who need help with these essential tasks. You might also see this written as "Basic ADLs" or "BADLs," and it's closely related to "IADLs" (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), which covers more complex activities like managing medications or preparing meals.
Examples in Resumes
Assisted elderly residents with ADLs and monitored their progress
Trained family caregivers in proper techniques for supporting Activities of Daily Living
Developed individualized care plans focusing on ADL improvement for stroke recovery patients
Typical job title: "Healthcare Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Healthcare Professionals
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement an ADL training program for your staff?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss creating comprehensive training materials, demonstrating proper techniques, ensuring safety protocols, tracking progress, and adapting training based on different patient needs.
Q: How do you handle complex cases where patients have multiple conditions affecting their ADLs?
Expected Answer: Should explain coordinating with multiple healthcare providers, creating personalized care plans, and adapting approaches based on specific patient limitations and goals.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you assess a patient's ADL capabilities?
Expected Answer: Should describe observation techniques, standard assessment tools, documentation methods, and how to determine the level of assistance needed.
Q: What strategies do you use to encourage patient independence in ADLs?
Expected Answer: Should discuss motivation techniques, setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and celebrating progress.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic ADLs and why are they important?
Expected Answer: Should list basic activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and explain their importance for patient independence and dignity.
Q: How do you maintain patient dignity while assisting with ADLs?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of privacy, respect, communication, and proper assistance techniques.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic patient care assistance
- Understanding of common ADLs
- Safety awareness
- Basic documentation skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Assessment of patient needs
- Development of care plans
- Training family members
- Managing complex cases
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development
- Staff training and supervision
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Complex case management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with patient care
- Lack of understanding about safety protocols
- Poor communication skills
- No knowledge of proper documentation procedures
