Why This UK Hospital Switched to Decaf to Prevent Patient Falls

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in the United Kingdom recently stopped serving caffeinated drinks to its patients.

At first glance, this may seem like a minor menu adjustment. In reality, it is part of a strategy to reduce patient falls.

Why Falls Matter

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. A single fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or a long road to recovery.  It is the leading cause of injury for older adults ages 65 and older.

But what does caffeine have to do with it? The Effects Of Caffeine In The Body

Most of us know that coffee gives us energy, but it also has a less welcome side effect: it makes us go to the bathroom more often.

That’s because caffeine is a diuretic.

It's a category of drugs that helps remove your body's extra salt (sodium) and water by passing them into the urine.

These drugs are used to help reduce fluid buildup in the body which is why they diuretics are also called water pills.

Besides increasing urine production, caffeine also irritates the bladder. Think of the bladder as a storage bag with a muscle called the detrusor. Usually, this muscle relaxes to let the bladder fill up with urine and then tightens when it’s time to go to the bathroom.

Caffeine stimulates the detrusor muscle, causing it to tighten sooner than usual. This makes you feel an urgent need to pee, even if your bladder isn’t full yet.

In short, caffeine makes you pee more than plain water and gives you a stronger urge to go to the bathroom because it both increases urine production and triggers bladder muscle contractions.

The Risk In Bathrooms

The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places for older adults. According to UCLA, shows that about 80% of falls that happen at home occur in the bathroom.

This risk increases with caffeine intake. Older adults who consume caffeine often experience urgent and frequent trips to the bathroom. This sudden rush to get to the bathroom can be particularly hazardous.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta found that feeling the urgent need to urinate causes people to walk more slowly and with a narrower gait, both of which are linked to a higher risk of falling. Thankfully 65% of patients in the UK hospital agreed to making the switch.

What Caregivers Can Do at Home

Fewer trips mean fewer chances to slip, and less urgency means less rushing. It’s a small change, but one that could save patients from serious harm. Families and caregivers can take a lesson from the hospital's approach.

Cutting back on caffeine, especially before bedtime, can help reduce bathroom trips at home.

Making bathrooms safer with good lighting and sturdy grab bars can lower risk even further. Addressing bladder health directly through exercises, therapy, or conversations with a doctor can also help older adults stay safe.

For caregivers and families, it’s a reminder that small adjustments, like swapping to decaf, can make a big difference in keeping older adults safe and independent.

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