Activities of Daily Living

M02 — Activities of Daily Living 245D Caregiver Certification | 0.5 Hours | CareCertify.net

Supporting someone with their daily personal care is one of the most fundamental — and most personal — responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional. Done well, ADL support preserves dignity, builds trust, and promotes the independence of the people you serve. Done poorly, it can feel disempowering and disrespectful, even when the intent is good.

This course covers the core Activities of Daily Living that DSPs assist with in home and community-based settings, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility. You will learn how to provide the right level of support — no more, no less — while honoring each person’s preferences, routines, and right to make their own choices.

This course covers:

• What Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are and how they differ from IADLs
• The principle of supporting independence — promoting ability, not creating dependency
• Person-centered approaches to bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene
• Proper body mechanics to protect both the individual and the DSP during transfers and mobility assistance
• Toileting support — privacy, dignity, and infection control
• Mealtime assistance — positioning, adaptive equipment, and aspiration awareness
• Documenting ADL support accurately in daily notes and service records
• Recognizing and reporting changes in a person’s ability to perform daily tasks

Audience: Direct Support Professionals providing personal care under a Minnesota 245D license, including staff in Community Residential Settings (CRS), Adult Day Services, and Individualized Home Supports.

Note: This course is required for DSPs working in Community Residential Settings where ADL support is identified in the person’s support plan. It is also recommended as foundational training for all new direct care staff regardless of setting.