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Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor

Glossary of Terms Used in the FMLA


Incapable of self-care means that the individual requires active assistance or supervision to provide daily self care in several of the “activities of daily living” (ADLs) or “instrumental activities of daily living” (IADLs). Activities of daily living include adaptive activities such as caring appropriately for one’s grooming and hygiene, bathing, dressing and eating. Instrumental activities of daily living include cooking, cleaning, shopping, taking public transportation, paying bills, maintaining a residence, using telephones and directories, using a post office, etc.

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