How to Prevent Body Odor with Your Senior Loved Ones (2024)

Elderly people exude a particular smell, whether caused by nonenal or incontinence. Body odors are common as people reach age 40 and their bodies’ chemistry changes. The musty smell of nonenal cannot be washed off. Families can practice a few techniques to enhance the smells of their living space.

What is the distinct smell associated with the elderly?

As mentioned, nonenal is caused by the way the body degrades omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin. Once exposed to the air, these acids create a compound known as nonenal. These hormonal imbalances result in more lipid acid, which oxidizes, and the “old people smell” is produced.

Does body odor increase with age?

Since the odor compound 2-nonenal increases with age, the body odor is oftentimes associated with older people. Bacteria found on the skin and skin gland secretions may also be to blame. Studies find that most people do not mind the musty smell that seniors give off.

How can the elderly minimize body odor?

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the smell of nonenal. Drinking plenty of water dilutes fatty acids. Similarly, drink green tea, which breaks down the compounds responsible for causing the nonenal smells. Exercise and eat nutritiously. Also bathe with a sugar scrub to exfoliate the skin and remove oils.

How is the body odor removed from the house?

The smell from nonenal is difficult to remove from the home. The fatty acids responsible for producing the odors are non-water-soluble, so they can’t be washed off. The home can start to smell when the acids transfer to the senior’s clothes and bedding—and even laundering won’t eliminate the smell.

Similarly, bathing the elderly loved one will not remove the smell of nonenal. However, family members can take steps to improve the smell inside the home. Air out the living spaces, for example, by opening up windows when weather permits and optimizing ventilation.

Introducing fresh air into the home by opening the windows removes the stuffy, stale scent of nonenal. In parts of the home that are tough to reach, consider running fans to promote circulation. Open the curtains, since the sun’s UV rays act as a natural disinfectant.

Although washing the senior’s bedding and clothes will not remove the body odors resulting from nonenal, the smell of the living quarters can be enhanced by laundering clothing using the hot water setting and laundry supplements specifically manufactured to fight stains and cut grease.

How are urine smells removed from the home?

Not all body odors are a direct result of nonenal. Some smells can be the outcome of chronic illness or disease, such as diabetes, uremia, dermatitis, and eczema. Urinary incontinence can cause urine odors to permeate the living environment and cause the unpleasant smells.

When elderly individuals live with incontinence, the home’s typical odors can start to become unpleasant. Urine odors are difficult to remove, since the average cleaning solution is unable to break down the insoluble uric acid crystals found in urine. As a result, urine stains and odors linger.

What do nursing homes use to reduce urine odors?

Nursing homes therefore utilize powerful chemical cleaners to permanently destroy proteins, urine odors, and urine stains. Special cleaners, like Urine Off, utilize bio-enzymatic technologies to destroy the components of urine, body fluids, and proteins. The product is available as a spray or as concentrate.

How are odors neutralized when a senior is frequently incontinent?

Caregivers can take any of the following several steps to reduce odors caused by an aging adult who suffers from urinary incontinence. Some incontinent products contain odor reducing materials that prevent odors from developing, rather than simply masking them when they occur.

1. Urine collection devices should be washed regularly and thoroughly. The reusable parts should be disinfected with a commercial cleanser; alternately, one part white vinegar and two parts water act as a natural cleanser. Do not use bleach, which is less effective than vinegar against urine crystals.
2. Launder the senior’s bedding and clothes often. A recommended detergent booster is white vinegar or baking soda, both of which work to effectively remove odors from fabrics. Using white vinegar requires an extra cold water rinse during the wash cycle. Wash soiled materials swiftly after storing in an airtight container.
3. A persistent urine odor may be traced back to a particular room. When this is the case, a black light can be extremely useful in pinpointing exactly where the smells originate. Urine glows under a black light, so any stains can be detected quickly. Wash the stained items right away.
4. A senior with incontinence problems should be kept clean. Caregivers are advised to help the elderly individual practice good hygiene and maintain bodily cleanliness. After every incontinence event, wash the senior thoroughly. Ensure the aging adult wears fresh undergarments daily.

Body odors are a natural part of aging. Remember, babies have a unique smell, as do teenagers and adults. Some odors, like urine odors, are a result of incontinence. When your aging loved one suffers from incontinence or any other malady, get help from Assisting Hands Home Care.

Our professional caregivers are trained to handle the everyday accidents that can plague older adults living with incontinence. We provide discreet assistance with toileting, bathing, grooming, and dressing. Our home care services go beyond personal care services, however, and support seniors in daily life.

Care responsibilities by the caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care include transportation to doctors’ offices, medication reminders, fall risk assessments, companionship, and meal preparation. We also provide compassionate memory care to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Our home care services are flexible and meet the needs of countless seniors in Sarasota, Florida. Choose Assisting Hands Home Care for expert non-medical home health care. We are available to set up a free consultation to evaluate care needs and develop a care plan. Call for exceptional elder care.

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