​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Do you:

• dash to the bathroom?
• get up at night to go to the bathroom?
• go often to the bathroom during the day or night?

These can increase your chance of falling if you try to get to the bathroom quickly.

Take Action

 

• It is important to drink enough water and other fluids each day. Drink 6 to 8 glasses (250 ml or 8 oz) or as recommended by your healthcare provider. If you have heart failure, take water pills, or have other serious health problems, talk to your healthcare provider.
• Drink most of your fluids during the day. Cut down on how much you drink in the evening.
• Cut down on how much tea, coffee, diet soft drinks, or alcohol you drink. They act like a water pill, and increase how often you need to urinate.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have problems with your “water works.” Examples are burning when you urinate, or going to the bathroom more often than usual. There are several things that can help. Your healthcare provider can give you suggestions or decide if medications are needed. You could also ask about going to a continence clinic.
• Wear clothing that is easy to put on and take off. For example, an elastic waistband is easier to manage than a belt.
• Try to go regularly to the bathroom during the day, about every 2 to 3 hours.

Resources

• Canadian Continence Foundation

To learn more about your risk of falling complete the “Is there a chance you might fall?” checklist.​