ADL FACTORS - The activities of daily living or ADL factors are often used as a barometer of overall health in the clinical evaluation of the elderly or infant patient. It is also useful in any patient who may be a poor historian, confused, pre-verbal. These factors include: how the patient is eating (intake), taking fluids (intake), passing urine (output), moving their bowels (output), sleeping (compare to usual), ambulating, working (usual routine?), socializing (or playing), general appearance (color, hygiene), and demeanor (mood).