Losing your ADLs and IADLs is like falling down the DEATH SHAFT
A mnemonic for Activities of Daily Living (DEATH) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (SHAFT)

Activities of Daily Living

1. Dressing
2. Eating (Feeding self)
3 & 4. Ambulation (Walking & Transferring): If a patient needs a walker or holds walls or any other help, then they need help with this ADL
5. Toilet (ability to use toilet & wipe self without help)
6. Hygiene (Bathing self)

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Shopping
Housekeeping (or housework)
Accounting (or managing money)
Food preparation
Telephone/Transportation

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