When Everyday Tasks Aren’t So Simple: How We Help With Activities of Daily Living

It starts small. Maybe your mom isn’t showering as often. Your dad wears the same clothes several days in a row. You offer to help, but they insist they’re fine.

The truth? They’re not.

For many older adults, basic self-care tasks—bathing, dressing, eating—slowly become difficult or even unsafe. These tasks are known as Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs. At A Better Solution Home Care, we step in to help seniors manage these daily routines with dignity and confidence, right at home.

What Exactly Are Activities of Daily Living?

Activities of Daily Living refer to the six basic things people need to do every day to take care of themselves. These are:

1. Bathing & Hygiene – Washing the body, brushing teeth, shaving, and grooming.

2. Dressing – Choosing clothes, getting dressed, and managing fasteners like buttons or zippers.

3. Eating – Feeding oneself, with or without assistance.

4. Toileting – Using the restroom and maintaining cleanliness afterward.

5. Mobility/Transferring – Getting in and out of bed, standing up, moving around safely.

6. Continence – Controlling bladder and bowel function, or managing incontinence products.

If someone can no longer perform one or more of these tasks consistently or safely, it’s time to consider getting help.

Why ADL Support Makes a Big Difference

The inability to manage Activities of Daily Living doesn’t just affect hygiene or convenience—it directly impacts health, safety, and quality of life.

• Falls often happen during bathing or when dressing.

• Malnutrition can happen if someone forgets to eat or struggles with meal prep.

• Skin infections and sores may result from poor hygiene or continence issues.

• Depression and isolation are common when people feel embarrassed or helpless.

This is where A Better Solution Home Care can step in with professional, caring, and discreet ADL assistance that empowers older adults—not replaces them.

How We Deliver ADL Support with Compassion and Respect

We understand that asking for help with something like bathing or toileting is a sensitive issue. That’s why our caregivers approach ADLs with empathy, professionalism, and respect for personal boundaries.

Here’s what our ADL support looks like in real life:

• Morning Routines: We help clients get out of bed, use the restroom, wash up, and get dressed for the day.

• Meal Times: We assist with preparing meals, ensuring they’re nutritious and suited to dietary needs. We also help with feeding if necessary.

• Evening Routines: We support bathing or sponge baths, changing into sleepwear, and helping clients settle safely for the night.

• Throughout the Day: Our caregivers assist with bathroom breaks, transferring between chairs and beds, light exercise, and encouraging hydration.

We also watch for changes in health, mood, or mobility and keep families informed so they’re never out of the loop.

Every Client Is Unique. So Is Their Care.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to Activities of Daily Living. Some seniors may only need help dressing or getting in and out of the shower. Others may need full assistance throughout the day.

At A Better Solution Home Care, we tailor our services based on each person’s needs, routines, and preferences. Whether your loved one needs care for just a few hours or full-time live-in support, we’ve got you covered.

How to Know It’s Time for ADL Support

Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, they’re subtle. Here’s what to look for:

• Wet or soiled clothes or bedding

• Unexplained weight loss or skipped meals

• Odor from lack of bathing

• Missed medication doses

• Wobbly movement or fear of falling

• Depression or withdrawal from social activities

If you’ve seen any of these red flags, it’s worth having a conversation—with your loved one and with us.

The Family Caregiver Burnout Factor

Many families try to help with ADLs themselves. While that’s admirable, it can quickly lead to burnout, especially if you’re juggling work, parenting, and other responsibilities. Providing toileting or bathing help to a parent or spouse can also feel emotionally uncomfortable or overwhelming.

Hiring a trained caregiver doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re getting the right kind of help—so your loved one is safe and you can focus on being their family, not just their caregiver.

Why Choose A Better Solution Home Care?

We’ve built our reputation on trust, flexibility, and high-quality care. When you choose us, you’re getting:

• Experienced caregivers trained in all levels of ADL support

• Custom care plans that evolve with your loved one’s needs

• Clear communication with regular updates and feedback

• Flexible schedules from a few hours a week to 24/7 care

• A caring team that treats your family like our own

Let’s Talk About Your Loved One’s Needs

There’s no shame in needing help with Activities of Daily Living. And there’s no shame in asking for it. If your loved one is struggling with day-to-day tasks, we’re here to support them—and you.

Reach out to A Better Solution Home Care today. Let’s build a care plan that keeps your loved one safe, independent, and living life on their terms.