What is included in bathing as an activity of daily living?

Bathing, as defined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition (OTPF-4), encompasses tasks specifically related to maintaining personal hygiene, which includes obtaining and using bathing supplies. This involves gathering items necessary for bathing, such as soap, shampoo, washcloths, and towels, and also includes the effective use of these items during the bathing process itself.

This aspect of bathing is crucial because it highlights the preparatory steps necessary for the activity to take place, ensuring safety and hygiene are maintained. Successfully managing these tasks is fundamental to the overall bathing experience and impacts individual health and well-being.

The other choices, while related to personal care or daily living activities, do not focus directly on the specific tasks included in the act of bathing. Cleaning the living environment pertains to household management, choosing appropriate bathing products, although relevant to self-care, does not encompass the action-oriented aspect required for bathing, and showering while maintaining social interactions represents a context of bathing rather than the foundational activities required to perform it.