Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) = Everyday functions and activities individuals usually do without help.  ADL functions include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring from a bed or a chair, and maintaining continence.  Policies use the inability to do a certain number of ADLs (such as two of six) to decide when to pay benefits.

Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners
A Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance 2009