How to Assess Activities of Daily Living-Bathing

The Activities of Daily Living

Here is the first activity of daily living assessed by the geriatric care manager during an functional assessment as part of a geriatric assessment

Bathing

Determining the exact amount of assistance that a person needs in each ADL is necessary to make the best recommendations for a care plan . For example, in bathing, if we find that the person needs only standby assistance in getting into and out of the tub or shower, the person might need the assistance of a companion (or family member) who can provide this service rather than assistance by a certified home health aide. Each state has its own laws regarding who can legally provide what service in a home care setting. If the person indicates that he or she isn’t showering because of a fear of falling, the person might only need to have the security of a shower chair and handheld shower spray. If the person has dementia and the family reports that he or she is not bathing, the person might only need reminders to bathe.

More specific knowledge of joint function is also helpful in determining the amount and type of assistance that a person might need. For example, if the person has limited range of motion in one or both shoulders, will that person be able to bathe him- or herself? Will physical therapy improve shoulder function?