Try: #in a quiet private place ask the cr how he or she is feeling if the cr cr’s answer naturally leads to a discussion about the odor gently and matter-of-factly address it if the topic doesn’t come up then in a neutral open way tell the cr that lately you notice a strong odor on their clothes and that you’re concerned because this is very unusual ask the cr if he or she is having any new health problems or difficulties be concrete don’t just ask are you having trouble cleaning yourself ask are you having trouble wiping yourself after you go to the bathroom an odor may also linger if the cr has trouble doing laundry getting to the bathroom on time or changing clothes daily #make sure the cr’s skin is cleaned and dried every day even if the cr doesn’t take a shower or bath every day #make sure the cr stays in clothes that are clean and dry after an accident assist the cr to remove wet or soiled clothes get cleaned up and change into fresh clothes #handle wet or soiled clothes sheets etc with rubber or latex gloves make sure items are thoroughly laundered presoaking as needed #a sudden change in the color frequency or urgency of urine or feces may be due to the onset of a medical condition or the inability of the cr to manage an existing condition under present conditions explore these issues in a conversation with the cr #assist the cr to describe the problem to a doctor if necessary the cr or caregiver should be prepared to say when the problem began what the problem is and how it affects daily activities such as personal hygiene socializing getting dressed using the bathroom getting to appointments etc #protect beds chairs clothing car seats and skin with towels mattress liners or incontinence products these can be bought in drug stores or ordered through catalogs and online look at continence products in a pharmacy or talk to a medical supply store to begin your search for products #keep in mind that the smell of urine may indicate a cr has reached a new stage in the progression of a condition preventing self-care and at this point may be at risk for serious infection or skin breakdown in addition to signalling a possible change in physical condition lack of self-care in this area may reflect a change in mental health or cognitive ability or a spike in alcohol abuse discussing any of these issues with the cr should be done with honest respect and compassion
Materials: Open accepting attitude by caregiver doctor towels mattress protector incontinence products
Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance
Information: n/a
References: n/a
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed