To independently care for themselves, an older adult should be able to complete the following basic skills:
1. Bathing and personal hygiene: Wash face, body and handle grooming, oral care and nails. Get out of the shower or bath without assistance.
2. Continence and toileting: Transfer on and off the toilet in time, clean themselves and have bladder and bowel control.
3. Independent walking and transferring: Able to move to and from a chair and bed with or without assistive devices.
4. Eating: Be capable of moving food and drink successfully from the table to their mouth.
5. Dressing: Choose, put on and take off appropriate clothing.
