September’s Activity of Daily Living Cleaning

Activities of Daily Living or ADL’s Activities of Daily Living are tasks people complete in their daily routine to function independently, e.g. dressing, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. This presentation will address the ADL of: Cleaning Please consult with Wellness Center staff for personal instruction on how to complete the given exercise examples.

Balance Challenges Balance ADL Household chores and cleaning require bending, squatting, reaching, and lifting. Proper balance and stability are required to complete all of these motions individually, as well as in combinations. ADL Cleaning windows & mirrors, scrubbing & vacuuming the floor, putting away dishes, etc.

Balance Exercises Single Leg Stance The balance and stability required to shift, lean, and reach in multiple directions.

Upper Body Challenges Flexibility & Strength You need arm flexibility to reach in multiple directions both high and low. Related ADL: Dusting objects on an overhead shelf or reaching down to pick up a trash can. You need arm strength to lift, scrub, and push objects. Related ADL: Lifting a bucket of water, scrubbing the bathtub, pushing the vacuum cleaner, etc.

Upper Body Exercise Seated Arm Curl The arm strength required to carry items, such as a bag of trash or a bucket of water.

Lower Body Challenges Strength & Endurance You need strength and endurance in your lower body to perform the walking, squatting, and bending movements required for cleaning. Standing & Walking ADL’s: Sweeping, vacuuming, washing dishes, taking out the trash, etc. Squatting ADL’s: Using a dustpan, dusting woodwork, putting dishes away in low cabinets, picking up laundry baskets.

Lower Body Challenges Chair Stands The lower body strength required to walk and squat down.