What ADLs are included in the InterRAI LTCF ADL scale?

• A. Reading, writing, arithmetic.
• B. Bathing, dressing, eating, toilet use, transferring, and mobility/hygiene as applicable.
• C. Driving, cooking, laundry.
• D. Walking, running, climbing stairs exclusively.

Answer: (B)

ADLs are the basic self-care tasks people normally do to take care of themselves in daily life. The InterRAI LTCF ADL scale focuses on six core areas that reflect essential personal care and movement needed in a long-term care setting: bathing, dressing, eating, toilet use, transferring, and mobility/hygiene as applicable. This combination captures the fundamental activities a resident must perform independently or with assistance.

Why this set fits: these tasks represent the everyday activities that determine a resident’s level of independence and need for support. Other options blend in activities that aren’t considered ADLs—reading, writing, and arithmetic are cognitive/academic skills; driving, cooking, and laundry are instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that go beyond basic self-care; and listing only walking or stairs omits several ADLs essential to daily functioning.