Sense of smell

As we age, all our senses diminish to some degree. The sense of smell usually fades but does not completely disappear.

Smells fall into 3 broad categories; good, bad and strange.

Hmm, what smells good to you? Apple pie, cinnamon rolls, chocolate brownies, coffee?? Smells can certainly entice an appetite. This may be especially effective with the elderly or a busy caregiver, bringing back memories which could have the desired effect of getting a bite or two into a fussy eater.

Tempting smells can just as easily cause nausea. Remember being a coffee addict until you got pregnant? A simple whiff could send you running for the nearest bathroom. The individual who is ill may have the same response.

Flowers and perfumes can also have either effect. It is best not to provide care or visit wearing heavy perfumes or lotions. Massaging a loved one with an overly fragrant lotion should be a pleasant, comforting experience not one that results with nausea or a coughing spell.

Some “bad” odors are simply unavoidable; these are usually related to spoiled foods, old trash, body odors, products of elimination, vomitus, and infection. It is best to prevent or control the cause of these smells instead; good ventilation, removal of the items causing foul odors as soon as possible, cleaning up spills and using activated charcoal products to control odors. Covering the odors does just that and the mixture of smells is often worse than before. When trying to remove offense odors care should be taken not to use strong smelling cleaners, such as heavy scented detergents, or bleach. Strong smells may result in respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Heavy air fresheners, perfumes and candles can be as reactive to the individuals in the home as the odor itself.

The use of candles should be avoided in homes where oxygen is in use to prevent the rapid spread of fire.

Strange odors are those not familiar to you, usually related to cooking spices. If the individual and their family are not bothered by the smell, it can usually be tolerated for short intervals by visitors.