What may be causing this
- Not locating the bathroom in time
- Clothing that is hard to manage
- Urinary infection or constipation
- Diuretics and other medications
- Advancing disease
What to try first
- Scheduled bathroom trips every two to three hours
- Keep a lighted, clearly marked path to the bathroom
- Use elastic-waist clothing
- Limit fluids in the evening but not during the day
What usually makes it worse
- Waiting for the person to ask
- Shaming or discussing it in front of others
- Dark hallways at night
Simple things you can do today
- Start a toileting schedule
- Add a raised toilet seat and grab bars
- Treat constipation
When to call the doctor
- Sudden onset, pain, blood, or odor suggesting infection
- New confusion accompanies the change
- Skin breakdown appears
When it may be an emergency
- Threats or acts of violence toward self or others
- Sudden confusion, weakness, slurred speech, or facial droop
- A fall with head injury, especially on a blood thinner
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.