General Tips to Assist with ADLs
(Personal care activities, e.g., eating, bathing, hygiene, dressing, grooming, toileting)

  • Remove factors of "excess disability" (anything that hinders the person from being able to function, e.g., pull over clothes) i.e., find ways to simplify and KEEP IT SIMPLE.
  • Recognize their importance to self esteem.
  • Always focus on the person, not the task; don't expect perfection.
  • Stick to same routines, habits, preferences.
  • Do something pleasant a half hour before (e.g., massage)
  • Allow the person to do as much by themselves as possible (Do "with" not "for")
  • Begin conversationally before launching into task.
  • Let them know that's going to happen before each step.
  • Simplify steps, one at a time.
  • Don't rush.
  • Give choices but limit choices (Not, "what do you want to eat?"  Instead, "Do you want eggs or cereal for breakfast?")
  • Prepare for the activity in advance and have everything you need to assist the person.
  • Demonstrate the activity, if necessary, and give multi-sensory cues (taste, smell, etc.)
  • Modify for increasing impairment - Encourage, Cue, Assist, and Do.