Patient Action: Talk to my care team about my bladder issues.
CC Context: Patients who have to rush to the toilet may try to move too fast and stumble and fall in the process without gaining good footing. Rushing to the toilet at night presents even more danger as the room is likely dim and presents a visibility issue. Make sure if you have to use the restroom at night that you have a nightlight on that helps you see any tripping hazards. Remove any rugs or furniture that might be in your way or cause you to trip in the night. See the Falls Awareness brochure for advise on removing tripping hazards in the home. The link is found in the Abnormal Falls Risk Assessment Handout.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you get up in the night to urinate?
- Do you keep a nightlight on so that you can see if you get up at night?
- Have you moved furniture out of your path to the bathroom and removed rugs from the house?
- Have you talked to your doctor or care team about your urgency to urinate?