6 January 2020 posted by Recovery Partners

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessment evaluates a worker’s level of functioning concerning personal care plus recreational and social activities. The process is managed by an occupational therapist and should be preferably conducted in the worker’s home environment.

To conduct the process smoothly, an ADL check-list is formulated. This depends on the level of injury or illness. These checklists guide the health practitioners and help highlight any other areas a patient might need help in.

Areas covered in an ADL assessment

The basic elements evaluated include:

  • Functional mobility (transferring and access)
  • Personal care (grooming and personal hygiene)
  • Physical functions (Self-feeding, dressing and bathing)
  • Home establishment and maintenance
  • Social interaction and communication
  • Community integration

What is the purpose of an ADL assessment

An ADL assessment’s main purpose is to help reduce the impact of an injury or illness on a worker enabling a return to work within the shortest possible time. The evaluation is also used to determine an employee’s work capacity. The process is designed to;

  • Assess a worker’s ability to carry out basic tasks.
  • Identify strategies to maximise and maintain a worker’s independence.
  • Determining the need for equipment and therapeutic aids. These are designed to compensate for any functional limitations.
  • Re-educate and train the worker in adaptive methods.
  • Determine the need for modifications in the household.
  • Determine whether the worker needs support services from a third party and recommend the type and extent of the help.

At Recovery Partners, our therapists can help review your worker’s ability to independently perform activities and assist them in maintaining or gaining independence in ADLs.

Our ADL Assessment services are available nationwide. For more information about our services contact us.

Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au

196 of 366

Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/