My mother is smelly. I don't know if it's the body odor, or the incontinence that is the problem. Help!
The smell of BO is light, but smells up her whole car. She tries to wear perfume to cover up the smell (body odor) also with some incontinence (who knows), but it is not successful.
Consider getting a bidet toilet seat to ensure she is washed after going to the bathroom, and especially after she has accidents.
Also, the aging body just doesn't smell great anymore, and gobs of cologne doesn't help the issue. "Old man/lady smell" is a real thing, so regular bathing is a must.
Year ago, when visiting my brother I was shocked to smell body odor. The smell of underarms unaddressed was pretty clear to me; I find it easy to identify differing body odors, likely as a result of a long career in nursing.
I told him. And he was shocked. "My friend never told me that" says he, and I cheerfully responded "Yes, but your friend never tells you ANYTHING negative".
Turned out, due to his Lewy's dementia, he had lost his sense of smell (and taste) at the same time (one of our first clues what was coming at him). He had no idea and just thought he didn't much like deoderants and didn't need them anymore.
I would discuss with your Mom whether her sense of smell and taste are the same for her of late. Ask her how often she is bathing and whether it may be time to switch deodorants. Some elders bath regularly but put back on the same clothes.
If neither of you have a clue what is going on it may be time for a physical where she can honestly discuss with her MD any issues she is having.
I sure wish you luck, but there is no way around this but through it with honesty.
Does Mom use wipes? The best ones I think are Huggys, big and thick. The problem may be her clothing if you can't get the smells put. I found polyester was the worst for holding in smells. I wash with Tide regular. With polyesters I did not put them in the dryer but hung them out or on a drying rack on my porch. Dryers seem to bring out the smell. You may want to do a vinegar wash. A cup or two to the wash water. Let the items soak. Then wash.
If Mom does not bathe everyday, maybe she should at least be washing under her arms and putting on deodorant. I had to do this with my Mom.
Incontinence is always going to cause odor issues unless briefs are changed regularly, clothing is washed regularly and deodorant products are used as well. Lume is an excellent one, btw. It only takes a small amount of urine to saturate some fabric to create a distinct odor. I'm sure you can help mom stay on top of this common problem many elders are faced with as you seem very kind hearted and proactive!
5 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Also, the aging body just doesn't smell great anymore, and gobs of cologne doesn't help the issue. "Old man/lady smell" is a real thing, so regular bathing is a must.
Year ago, when visiting my brother I was shocked to smell body odor. The smell of underarms unaddressed was pretty clear to me; I find it easy to identify differing body odors, likely as a result of a long career in nursing.
I told him. And he was shocked. "My friend never told me that" says he, and I cheerfully responded "Yes, but your friend never tells you ANYTHING negative".
Turned out, due to his Lewy's dementia, he had lost his sense of smell (and taste) at the same time (one of our first clues what was coming at him). He had no idea and just thought he didn't much like deoderants and didn't need them anymore.
I would discuss with your Mom whether her sense of smell and taste are the same for her of late. Ask her how often she is bathing and whether it may be time to switch deodorants. Some elders bath regularly but put back on the same clothes.
If neither of you have a clue what is going on it may be time for a physical where she can honestly discuss with her MD any issues she is having.
I sure wish you luck, but there is no way around this but through it with honesty.
ADVERTISEMENT
If Mom does not bathe everyday, maybe she should at least be washing under her arms and putting on deodorant. I had to do this with my Mom.
But thanks anyway :)