ADLs stands for Activities of Daily Living, which are essential and routine tasks that most young, healthy individuals can perform without assistance. These tasks are related to personal care and include bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating. The inability to accomplish essential activities of daily living may lead to unsafe conditions and poor quality of life. Nurses and other healthcare professionals assess ADLs in patients to help ensure that patients who require assistance are identified and receive the appropriate care. There are also Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which are similar to ADLs but are not necessarily required on a daily basis. IADLs include cooking, driving, caring for pets, completing housework, using the phone or computer, shopping, managing finances, and keeping track of medication. Difficulties with ADLs and IADLs often correspond to how much help, supervision, and hands-on care an older person needs.