drinking
They are not drinking enough.
3 min read
People often stop feeling thirsty, and many cut back on purpose because getting to the toilet has become difficult. The thing that helps most is offering rather than waiting to be asked, in a cup they recognise, at the moments they usually accept one. How much someone should be drinking is a question for their doctor or care team.
What to try
- 1Offer rather than waiting to be asked. Most people accept a drink they did not have to request.
- 2Keep drinks visible in every room they use, in a familiar cup rather than a new one.
- 3Offer at the moments they already accept one — with a programme they watch, after a walk, alongside you having yours.
- 4If they turn down water, offer what they actually like instead. Something they will drink is better than something they will not.
What to avoid
- Cutting back on drinks to reduce accidents. It is a common instinct and it makes things harder in other ways — raise it with their doctor or the continence service instead.
- Large glasses, which can look like too much and get refused. Small and often works better.
- Assuming they will ask when thirsty.
The hidden reason
Many people quietly stop drinking because getting to the toilet has become difficult or embarrassing. Fixing the toilet route often fixes the drinking.
How this guide was made
Written by
Written independently for Riparo. It is not copied or adapted from any organisation’s material.
Evidence checked
Not checked against published guidance. Treat this as a starting point and confirm anything important with a professional.
Reviewed by
Not clinically reviewed. No clinician has checked this guide.