1. Mastering Daily Routines: Foundations of Independent Living
**Short Description:** Learn essential daily living skills to support independence, self-care, and successful home management. This course builds foundational abilities in hygiene, nutrition, organization, and functional routines.
What you'll learn:
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How to maintain personal hygiene and grooming routines appropriate for daily and social functioning
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Techniques for planning, preparing, and storing simple, nutritious meals safely
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Step-by-step processes for managing laundry, including sorting, washing, drying, and folding clothing
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Time management strategies for structuring daily routines and reducing missed tasks
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Safe and effective use of household appliances and cleaning tools
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Basic medication awareness, including scheduling, organization, and understanding side effects
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Methods for keeping a living space clean, organized, and hazard-free
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Foundational budgeting and grocery shopping techniques for essential needs
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Navigation skills for using public or community transportation options
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Safety planning in the home and community, including emergency preparedness
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Personal hygiene and grooming routines to support daily self-care and social readiness
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Meal planning and preparation strategies using basic nutrition and kitchen safety skills
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Laundry and clothing care techniques including washing, drying, and organizing apparel
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Time management fundamentals for creating structured daily routines and reducing overwhelm
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Safe and effective use of household appliances for independent living
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Medication awareness and scheduling, including understanding dosage and side effects
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Maintaining a clean and organized living space to support mental and physical well-being
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Grocery shopping and budgeting methods for managing household food needs
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Transportation planning skills for safely navigating appointments and errands
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Safety planning in the home and community, including emergency preparedness
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Identifying and reducing environmental hazards in the home to prevent injury
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Creating and following personalized daily schedules for consistent routines
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Practicing basic meal portioning and food storage to ensure nutrition and safety
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Using visual aids and checklists to support task completion and memory recall
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Developing self-monitoring habits to recognize when assistance or support is needed
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Understanding basic hygiene product usage, storage, and expiration awareness
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Applying conflict-free communication techniques during shared household tasks
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Recognizing signs of emotional overwhelm and implementing coping strategies within routines
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Establishing personal space boundaries and maintaining respectful cohabitation practices
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Following multi-step directions to complete daily living tasks with increased independence
Course content
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Section
1Section 1. Personal Hygiene & Grooming
- Lesson 1.1: Understanding Hygiene and Why It Matters 00:07:52
- Lesson 1.2: Morning Hygiene Routine 00:07:56
- Lesson 1.3: Bathing and Showering Skills 00:07:15
- Lesson 1.4: Hair Care and Scalp Maintenance 00:07:51
- Lesson 1.5: Nail and Skin Hygiene 00:07:45
- Lesson 1.6: Oral Care and Dental Health 00:06:56
- Lesson 1.7: Appropriate Use of Hygiene Products 00:07:23
- Lesson 1.8: Personal Appearance and Dressing for the Day 00:07:10
- Lesson 1.9: Understanding Cultural and Social Hygiene Norms 00:07:53
- Lesson 1.10: Weekly Hygiene Tracker and Personal Goal Setting 00:05:42
- Lesson 1.11: Maintaining Menstrual Hygiene (if applicable) 00:06:59
- Lesson 1.12: Foot Care and Hygiene 00:07:01
- Lesson 1.13: Shaving and Facial Grooming 00:07:03
- Lesson 1.14: Using Public Restrooms Safely and Respectfully 00:06:28
- Lesson 1.15: Hygiene and Mental Health Connection 00:06:15
- Lesson 1.16: Using Timers and Visual Aids to Complete Hygiene Tasks 00:06:19
- Lesson 1.17: Hygiene for Community and Social Settings 00:06:22
- Lesson 1.18: Overcoming Barriers to Hygiene (Water Access, Motivation, Fear) 00:06:12
- Lesson 1.19: Hygiene Emergencies: What To Do If You Miss a Day 00:05:40
- Lesson 1.20: Personal Grooming Kit: What You Need and How to Organize It 00:05:18
- Lesson 1.21: Recognizing When You Need to Refresh or Re-clean 00:05:31
- Lesson 1.22: Cleaning and Disinfecting Personal Hygiene Tools 00:07:08
- Lesson 1.23: Managing Hygiene on Low Energy or Mental Health Days 00:06:24
- Lesson 1.24: Hygiene for Different Environments (Shelters, Shared Housing, Travel) 00:07:25
- Lesson 1.25: Hygiene Product Safety and Expiration Dates 00:07:48
- Lesson 1.26: Packing a Travel Hygiene Bag 00:06:40
- Lesson 1.27: Skin Health and Monitoring for Irritations or Infections 00:06:40
- Lesson 1.28: Cultural Sensitivity in Personal Grooming 00:07:11
- Lesson 1.29: Scripting Hygiene Requests or Reminders for Support Systems 00:06:07
- Lesson 1.30: Reflecting on Hygiene Habits and Setting Monthly Self-Care Goals 00:06:07
- Lesson 1.31: How to Set Hygiene Reminders Using a Phone or Calendar 00:06:03
- Lesson 1.32: Creating a Hygiene Checklist for Daily and Weekly Tasks 00:06:00
- Lesson 1.33: Hygiene and Boundaries: Respecting Others in Shared Spaces 00:06:55
- Lesson 1.34: How to Talk to a Provider About Hygiene Struggles 00:06:52
- Lesson 1.35: Haircuts, Trims, and Maintenance Between Appointments 00:06:14
- Lesson 1.36: Budgeting for Affordable Hygiene Products 00:06:07
- Lesson 1.37: Keeping Hygiene Products Safe from Contamination 00:06:08
- Lesson 1.38: The Role of Hygiene in Public Benefits and Housing Access 00:06:26
- Lesson 1.39: Seasonal Hygiene Adjustments (Winter vs. Summer) 00:05:57
- Lesson 1.40: Reviewing Personal Progress with a Hygiene Reflection Journal 00:05:35
- Lesson 1.41: How Good Hygiene Prevents Illness and Infections 00:06:02
- Lesson 1.42: When to Seek Medical Help for Skin, Mouth, or Hair Problems 00:05:45
- Lesson 1.43: Creating a Safe and Accessible Hygiene Space at Home 00:05:56
- Lesson 1.44: Emergency Hygiene Routines Without Running Water or Electricity 00:05:37
- Lesson 1.45: Using Hygiene to Prepare for Doctor, Court, Job, or Housing Appointments 00:05:33
- Lesson 1.46: Following Multi-Step Hygiene Instructions Without Help 00:05:41
- Lesson 1.47: Cleaning Up After Yourself in Shared Bathrooms or Housing 00:05:45
- Lesson 1.48: Personal Safety While Bathing or Grooming Alone 00:05:54
- Lesson 1.49: How to Build a Backup Hygiene Kit for Crisis or Homelessness 00:05:40
- Lesson 1.50: Practicing Daily Hygiene as a Long-Term Mental Health Goal 00:05:31
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2Section 2. Meal Planning & Preparation
- Lesson 2.1: What Is Meal Planning and Why It Matters 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.2: Planning a Basic Weekly Meal Schedule 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.3: Smart Grocery Shopping on a Budget 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.4: Reading Food Labels and Expiration Dates 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.5: Preparing Simple No-Cook Meals 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.6: Cooking with Limited Tools or Space 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.7: Safe Food Storage and Preventing Spoilage 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.8: Making Meals When You Have Low Energy or Motivation 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.9: Practicing Portion Control and Balanced Eating 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.10: Leftovers and Batch Cooking for the Week 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.11: Building a 3-Day Emergency Food Plan 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.12: Managing Food Anxiety and Disordered Eating Patterns 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.13: Creating a Personalized Meal Prep Routine 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.14: How to Make a Grocery List from a Meal Plan 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.15: Understanding Serving Sizes and Food Groups 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.16: Cooking Safety Basics for Beginners 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.17: Using Leftover Ingredients Creatively 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.18: Building a Basic Spice and Condiment Starter Kit 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.19: Planning Meals Around Food Allergies or Restrictions 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.20: Making Cooking a Shared or Social Activity 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.21: Creating a Kitchen Cleaning Routine 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.22: Planning Around EBT/SNAP Cycles 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.23: Meal Prep Tools and Gadgets Worth Owning 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.24: Eating on a Schedule to Support Mental Health 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.25: Identifying When You’re Hungry or Full 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.26: Meal Planning for Special Occasions or Cultural Traditions 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.27: Building a Low-Cost Pantry from Scratch 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.28: How to Adjust Your Plan When Things Go Wrong 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.29: Preparing Meals During Crisis or Relocation 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.30: Celebrating Your Meal Planning Success 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.31: How to Meal Prep Without a Fridge or Freezer 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.32: Planning Meals for One vs. a Group 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.33: Building Confidence in the Kitchen 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.34: Learning from Meal Mistakes Without Giving Up 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.35: Cooking Without Recipes: Trusting Your Instincts 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.36: Avoiding Food Waste with Creative Substitutions 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.37: Making Food Fun Again After Burnout 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.38: Building Meals Around Affordable Protein Sources 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.39: Creating Meal Plans That Match Your Medication Schedule 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.40: Prepping Meals That Travel Well for Appointments or Work 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.41: Understanding Food Deserts and Limited Access 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.42: How to Use a Food Pantry Effectively 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.43: Managing Texture and Sensory Issues with Food 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.44: Supporting Others Through Shared Cooking 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.45: Practicing Gratitude and Mindfulness with Food 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.46: Balancing Treats with Healthy Habits 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.47: Using a Meal Planning Journal or Binder 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.48: Practicing Your Meal Routine in a New Living Space 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.49: Asking for Help Without Feeling Ashamed 00:00:00
- Lesson 2.50: Final Meal Planning Reflection and Personal Goal Setting 00:00:00
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3Section 3. Laundry & Clothing Care
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4Section 4. Time Management & Routine Building
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5Section 5. Safe Use of Household Appliances
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6Section 6. Medication Awareness & Scheduling
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7Section 7. Maintaining a Clean Living Space
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8Section 8. Grocery Shopping & Budgeting
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9Section 9. Transportation Navigation & Planning
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10Section 10. Safety at Home and in the Community
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11Section 11. Dressing and Personal Appearance
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12Section 12. Rest and Sleep Hygiene
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13Section 13. Communication in Daily Life
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14Section 14. Understanding Schedules and Appointments
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15Section 15. Problem Solving in the Home
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16Section 16. Short-Term Memory & Focus Training
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17Section 17 Managing Paperwork and Mail
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18Section 18. Healthy Boundaries at Home
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19Section 19. Cleaning Up After Meals
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20Section 20. Identifying When to Ask for Help
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21Section 21. Basic Home Maintenance Awareness
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22Section 22. Managing Household Supplies
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23Section 23. Setting Personal Goals & Tracking Progress
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24Section 24. Budgeting for Daily Needs
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25Section 25. Digital Life Skills & Online Safety
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26Section 26. Meal Cleanup & Kitchen Safety
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27Section 27. Clothing Selection & Weather Awareness
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28Section 28. Understanding Public Resources & Community Services
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29Section 29. Emotional Regulation During Daily Tasks
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30Section 30. Independent Living Readiness Assessment
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31Section 31. Creating a Morning Routine
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32Section 32. Creating a Bedtime Routine
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33Section 33. Identifying and Managing Stress Triggers
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34Section 34. Basic First Aid and Emergency Response
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35Section 35. Understanding Hygiene Products and Labels
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36Section 36. Recognizing Signs of Illness or Fatigue
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37Section 37. Building a Weekly Chore Plan
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38Section 38. Meal Portioning and Leftover Storage
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39Section 39. Reading Food Labels and Expiration Dates
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40Section 40. Organizing a Personal Living Space
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41Section 41. Safe Social Interactions in Shared Housing
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42Section 42. Learning to Follow Verbal and Written Instructions
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43Section 43. Personal Safety in Public Spaces
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44Section 44. Making and Keeping Appointments
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45Section 45. Organizing Personal Paperwork and IDs
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46Section 46. Understanding Utility Bills and Household Costs
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47Section 47. Preparing for Weather Changes and Seasonal Tasks
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48Section 48. Practicing Patience During Tasks
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49Section 49. Asking for Clarification When Instructions Are Unclear
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50Section 50. Reviewing Progress and Updating Goals
Daily Living Skills (ADLs & IADLs): Foundations of Independent Living is a structured, therapeutic course developed to support clients in building the core competencies required for daily self-sufficiency. This program is clinically aligned with Medicaid-compliant service categories such as Basic Skills Training (H2014) and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (H2017), and is delivered under licensed supervision in accordance with Provider Type 14 regulations.
This course targets both Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—which include personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding—and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as managing a home, preparing meals, organizing medication schedules, handling finances, shopping for groceries, and using public transportation. Each module is tailored to reinforce not just practical skills, but also executive functioning, time management, environmental safety awareness, and adaptive behavior strategies necessary for long-term independence.