Tag Archives: totalhomecaresupplies.com

The Great American Smokeout

Posted by on November 20, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Support for quitting smoking

There are very few Americans who aren’t aware that smoking is bad for them. Unfortunately, cigarettes are incredibly addictive, and it takes a lot of support to quit. Actually, according to the American Cancer Society, the best way to quit is some combination of medicine, a change of personal habits, and emotional support. But also having a good understanding of the effects smoking has on ones’ health can be part of the wake-up call for the smoker, and, for those who want a loved one to quit, a good argument. Check out the infographic below, from the American Cancer Society, for more about the “True Cost of Smoking.”

The Financials of smoking

Do you know someone today who’s trying to quit? Will you encourage them today to quit? Or are you a former smoker? What advice do you have for those who want to give up smoking?

Your Baby and the Holidays

Posted by on November 19, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Your baby during their first Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas.

Yay! The winter holidays are nearly here. If this is your baby’s first winter season, there are many wonderful things for them (and you) to enjoy. But there can also be some hazards or just simple issues – this post will help you navigate those.

Travel
Does your family live far away? Will you be getting on a plane with your baby before the year is over? If so, check out our recent post, “Plane Travel with Your Baby.” If you will be traveling by car, you’ll need all the food your infant might require during the trip, along with diapers and a changing pad for stops. Additionally, it might be a good idea to have a new toy along, or a toy your child hasn’t seen in a long time. The toy can be brought out in the case of a major melt-down. But do make sure the toy is soft, in case there’s a bump on the road and the toy goes flying.

Food
With all the new food around, this might be a great time to introduce your baby to new flavors. A lot of holiday food is perfect for pureeing if your baby isn’t up to full-on solids. Don’t forget to go slow, though. You never know what new food may upset your child’s stomach, or they could turn out to be allergic to something. Not an issue you want to deal with while away from home.

Visiting
There’s lots of visiting over the holidays, even if you’re not traveling. Many people, even those who have kids, do not have baby-proofed homes. It can be hard to keep your child in your arms during an entire visit, so if your baby is mobile, it might be prudent to block out a space for them. That way you can chat without constantly watching where your child is going and what they’re putting in their mouth.

For you parents out there who have done this all before, what’s your best tip for new parents during the holiday season? Or what’s your favorite story from the winter holidays?

The Benefits of Protective Underwear

Posted by on November 17, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Adult pull-ups vs. adult diapers.

When a decision needs to be made about what kind of incontinence supplies to purchase, there are many options. One of these is pads and liners. These work great for mild incontinence: they’re easy to adjust to, they keep the wearer in their regular underpants and they’re best for the skin. But when incontinence is moderate to heavy, a pull-up or a brief becomes a better choice.

Protective underwear, AKA pull-ups, have their advantages over briefs, depending on the lifestyle of the wearer and their own personal preferences.

Many types of protective underwear, including our best-selling Prevail Extra Adult Pull-Up, offer cloth-like material as the outer shell. Not only does this material mean better skin health for the wearer, because of the breathability, it is quieter than plastic-backed briefs. Additionally, its stretchability creates a better and more secure fit for the wearer.

There is also protective underwear available that is gender-specific, like the Prevail Per-Fit for Men and Women. This is a feature you will not find in regular adult diapers. Each of these products is designed to look more like the standard underwear of that gender, and the dimensions of each product were created to conform more to that body type.

Additionally, protective underwear can be disposed of just as easily as adult diapers. Almost all of them have tear-away sides, so it’s easy to just rip those sides apart and remove the pull-up. And if you’re looking for a product that provides many of the benefits of protective underwear, with the ability to put the item on while not removing pants, check out Prevail’s Adjustable Underwear. They come with reattachable side tabs that you open to put the underwear on, and still provide a secure and underwear-like fit.

What advantages have you found with protective underwear?

Caregiving in Movies

Posted by on November 15, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Caregiving in Films

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the US release of the film “Love Actually.” There are many characters that people may remember this movie for: Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Alan Rickman as the cheating husband, Liam Neeson as a mourning step-father. But one of the most memorable characters (for us, at least) is Laura Linney as Sarah: an employee of Alan Rickman’s character, in love with her coworker, and a caregiver of her brother. We won’t spoil the film, but it does show the hard balance that a caregiver strives for, between their personal life, and providing support to their caree.

In more recent years, a spade of caregiving-related films have been released, including “Amour,” “Robot & Frank,” “August: Osage County,” “Nebraska,” and more. Each explores the relationship that a caregiver has with their charge. Some of the films show the frustration that a caregiver can feel, and some show the frustration that a caree can feel with themselves, their diagnosis or their caregiver.

This relationship is one that is so complex, and so different depending on the pair and the caregiving team, that a thousand movies could be made on the subject. And, of course, there are also documentaries. While “Alive Inside,” isn’t about caregivers necessarily, it does feature them occasionally, as they react to the film’s goal of providing music to seniors with dementia. The documentary does such a good job of showing the effect of music on the elderly and their memory, it won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival this year.

Which of these movies have you seen? Which do you love? What are other movies featuring caregivers that you would recommend?

World Kindness Day

Posted by on November 13, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Being kind to others

Today, November 13th, is World Kindness Day. How perfect that it comes in the middle of National Family Caregivers Month, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and Military Family Month. Those are three different entities that are all about kindness to others.

Today, you are encouraged to perform an act of kindness for another. It can be large or small. It can cost you money, or it can be free. It can even before a non-human creature. For instance, instead of squashing a spider you find in your house, scoop it into a cup and take it outside to a plant. Not only are you being kind to the spider, you’re doing the plant a favor, as many spiders eat insects that destroy plants.

The origin of World Kindness Day comes from Japan, back in 1997, when the Small Kindness Movement came together with other countries to celebrate these little moments. Now it’s celebrated in many countries, and in many ways. In Cincinnati today, healthy snacks were being given out by and to the community, Tucson is taking the day to talk about a local non-profit that has sprinkled the town with murals dedicated to kindness, and, further afield, in Nigeria, a well-known artist is donating several of his works to a foundation that helps those in need heart surgery.

What are some of your ideas for World Kindness Day? What are some random acts of kindness you may have performed over the past year? Today is about inspiring kindness every day.

Tips for Keeping Your Bladder (and You) Healthy

Posted by on November 11, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Bladder Health Awareness Month

We are currently in Bladder Health Week AND Bladder Health Awareness Month. But what do those two mean for you personally?

Well, every person, continent or not, should be doing their best to keep their bladder healthy. For many people, that’s as simple as staying hydrated (the quoted figure of drinking eight 8-ounce glass of water a day isn’t necessarily right for everyone, but it’s a number to strive for) (and don’t forget that all liquids count towards that goal). Additionally, people should take cues from their bladders and use the restroom before it becomes an emergency. And of course get yearly physicals.

But there’s more than that for many of the people who are incontinent. Maintaining bladder health in the face of the threat of urinary tract infections (UTIs), compromised skin and other potential problems can be more than difficult. Not to mention the issues that are causing the incontinence.

The best way for those with incontinence to skirt UTIs is to not wear a wet brief for longer than necessary. Additionally, very absorbent briefs can whisk the moisture away from the skin. As long as the area is dry, there is no need to change the diaper immediately. However, all briefs should be changed if there are feces in the brief, as that is a major carrier or bacteria.

Keeping skin clean and dry and bacteria free can also help with bladder health. It will keep UTIs at bay and maintain a better pelvic environment overall. One suggestion is to use gentle cleansing wash on the area.

What are your best tips for maintaining bladder health? We’d love to hear this this week, month, or anytime!

An Updated List of Businesses That Offer Senior Discounts

Posted by on November 10, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Senior Savings

A quick Internet search for “senior discounts” leads to many pages with long lists of businesses that offer them. But many of those lists are outdated, or claim to offer a discount for all stores when it’s really just a local business that provides that coupon. In an effort to get more accurate information, TotalHomeCareSupplies.com has checked on all the businesses mentioned below. If the information wasn’t available on the company’s website, we reached out to them via social media. We can’t guarantee any of these offers, but we have tried our best to create an accurate list. Be sure to bookmark this page as we will be adding more discounts as we find them!

And don’t forget, you can find great savings on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com, no matter your age! Check out our Promotions page for our current coupons.

*Note: Each link will take you to either the business’ home page, or the page that lists their senior discount, if that exists.

Cell Phone Plans:

  • Sprint – Sprint offers several phones that are easy to use for customers with hearing or vision loss, along with a “smartphone experience” offer called “Active Senior ID pack.”
  • AT&T – Their Senior Nation 200 plans are dependent on your location.
  • Jitterbug – Senior friendly phones and plans, starting at $15/month.
  • Verizon – Nationwide 65 Plus Plans: 200 anytime minutes for $29.99/month.

Restaurants:

  • Perkins – 55 Plus All Day Breakfast, and discounts on lunch and dinner. Every day.
  • Shoney’s – “The Shoney’s Golden Age Club is exclusively for adults age 60 and older. Shoney’s Golden Age Club Discount Card entitles you to a 10% discount on all regular menu items.”
  • Bob’s Big Boy – Discounts vary by location, but in general should be around 10% off for those 55 and over.
  • Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes: Family Friendly Salad Bar & Buffet – We asked on Twitter about their senior discounts, and received this answer: “Mon-Thurs from 2-5pm, Ages 60+ can a meal for $7.49 & that includes a drink! During other times, they can receive 10% off.”
  • Country Kitchen – Offers a “Senior and Lighter Fare Menu: For our special guest 55 and over and those with lighter appetites.”
  • Boston Market – We checked in with Boston Market about their senior discount policy and received this answer: “Boston Market offers a 10% discount to all seniors for food, though this promotion is not valid for catering orders.” Over 65.
  • Arby’s – We checked in with Arby’s and received this answer: “Senior discounts may vary by area/location, therefore please be sure to call and check with your local Arby’s restaurant for this information.”
  • Fazoli’s – Smaller portions with a side salad for seniors.
  • Ponderosa Steakhouse – Ponderosa has a special senior menu.
  • Golden Corral – Senior Early Bird Special, M-F 2-4PM, 60+, for $7.49
  • Denny’s – Offers a discounted over 55 menu, and AARP members save 15% on their entire check every day.
  • Carrows – Carrows has a “Golden 55” menu: “Value-priced entrees for our guests 55 and above.”
  • Subway – Most locations offer a 10% discount for those over 60, that cannot be combined with another offer.
  • CiCi’s Pizza – From their FAQs, regarding senior discounts: “Many of our stores do offer discounts. However, since most of our stores are individually owned, discounts vary from location to location. We suggest contacting your local CiCi’s to inquire about discounts offered at their specific store.”
  • IHOP – Guests over 55 can enjoy special senior meals at special prices.
  • The Old Spaghetti Factory – Offers a senior menu. “Our senior Complete Meal offers a smaller-portioned entree served with hot fresh baked bread, soup or a crisp green salad with a choice of dressing, coffee, hot tea, iced tea or milk, and our signature spumoni ice cream for dessert.”
  • Bennigan’s – We checked in with Bennigan’s about senior savings and received this answer: “Some locations might, but we do not have a SS [senior savings] deal across the board.”
  • Ben & Jerry’s – We checked in with Ben & Jerry’s and received this answer: “Some of our scoop shops may do that. Most of them are independently owned, and it’s their call on discounts like this. Thanks.”
  • Sizzler – Offers an “Honored Guest” menu, for ages 60 & over.
  • Corky’s Homestyle Kitchen & Bakery – Features a Senior Frequent Diner Club Card and a Senior Menu.

Automotive:

  • Pep Boys – “Pep Boys provides a 10% discount every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for customers 55 or older with valid ID. Offer available in store only.”
  • Oil Express – The Cincinnati area Oil Expresses offer a senior citizen special: AARP and American Seniors Association members save 25% on Wednesdays and Sundays. Coupon necessary.
  • Jiffy Lube – “Some Jiffy Lube® service centers offer a senior citizens’ discount, but this discount varies from region to region. Please call ahead to your local Jiffy Lube® to determine if a discount is available. For contact information, use the Find A Location link at the top of every page.”
  • Midaway Pro Auto, Inc. in Chicago – They encourage you to ask about their senior discounts.
  • AAA – Offers numerous traffic safety and educational programs such as: Online Training Courses, Senior Mobility Expos and Events, and Senior Educational Resources

Home and Garden:

  • Armstrong Garden Centers – “Senior Day: Save 10% on all regular-priced merchandise every Wednesday if you’re at least 60 years old. Sod, gift cards and sale prices excluded.”
  • Sky Nursery – Based in Seattle. “Every Wednesday is Senior Day! To honor our senior gardeners, we offer a 10% discount on all regularly priced store merchandise and plants. Sorry, sale items, bulk delivery and gift cards are not included. Cannot be combined with coupons.”

Hotels:

  • Holiday Inn – “Seniors enjoy a leisurely and comfortable atmosphere at our hotels, and if you are 62 years of age or older you will also enjoy our Senior Discount.”
  • Marriott Hotels – Those over 62 can save 15% or more on their stay.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites – “Seniors save up to 10%.” Ages 65+. “ust book online and indicate that you’re using the Seniors Rate, and make sure to bring your valid ID when you check in. And get ready to smile about all the great amenities we’re known for — a free hot breakfast, a clean and fresh Hampton bed®, our trademark friendly service and so much more, all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee®.”
  • Best Western – “AARP® members and guests 55 and older receive senior discounts on room rates at Best Western hotels around the world.”
  • Hyatt Hotels – Senior Citizen Travel Rates: “Seniors save up to 50% on our Hyatt Daily Rate at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts in the continental U.S. and Canada.”
  • Choice Hotels – “If you are 60+ or an AARP member, you’ll save up to 10% with advance reservations. Just request the Senior Rate* when you call 800-4CHOICE (800-424-6423).”
  • Myrtle Beach Resorts – “We are happy to provide our senior citizens a 10% Discount on Most Daily and Weekly Rates for condominiums rented and occupied by persons over 55 years.”
  • Motel 6 – We asked Motel 6 about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Motel 6 still offers a 60plus senior discount.”

Entertainment:

  • Cinemark – “Seniors Day – All Day on Participating Day, Any Movie, Any Showtime. One film/showtime per ticket purchased. Each ticket purchased for Seniors Day showings are at the Seniors Day discount price. RealD 3D showtimes – Seniors Day price plus Premium. Seniors Day Price not valid for Cinemark XD, Xtreme, IMAX and Special Engagements.” At participating locations.
  • AMC Theaters – Those over 60 can purchase Senior Discount tickets, the amount discounted varies by location.
  • USGS – Those over 62 can obtain a “Senior Pass” – “A $10.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.” There are also additional benefits.
  • Regal Cinemas – “Regal Entertainment Group’s policy for a Senior Citizen’s ticket is age 60 and over.”
  • Aquarium of the Pacific – Seniors over 62 receive between a $3 to $4 discount for different types of tickets, and that discount can be combined with 10% off when using your AAA card.
  • Town and Country Bowling Lanes in Oregon – This alley has Senior Leagues and discounts.
  • ArcLight Cinemas – Those over 60 usually save about $1.25 on their tickets, at all times.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not – “If you are over 55, buy one ticket to any of our St. Augustine Ripley Attractions and get one for $10!”

Retail Stores:

  • Bealls – “Every Tuesday: 50 & Fabulous. If you are 50 years or better save an extra 15% in-store only.” They do say ID is required.
  • Belk’s – On the first Tuesday of every month, seniors 55+ enjoy “exclusive savings.”
  • CJ Banks | Christopher & Banks – We asked CJ Banks about their senior discounts, and received this response: “We offer a 55+ Advantage discount of 10% on Wednesdays that is valid in both our Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks stores.”
  • Kohl’s – Every Wednesday, 15% off for those over 60. They ask you have identification.
  • Banana Republic: We checked in with Banana Republic and received this answer: “Customers 62 + can receive a 10% discount in stores. This discount cannot be combined with other offers.”
  • Goodwill – Each store offers different discounts, but generally it’s around a 15% discount everyday, with extra savings one day a week.
  • Hallmark – We asked Hallmark about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Most of our stores are independently owned, so that would be a decision made at store level.” So be sure to check your local Hallmark.
  • Kmart – We asked Kmart about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Discounts in that capacity are offered on an individual store level. Please contact your local store for details.”

Groceries:

  • Albertsons – We checked in with Albertsons and received this answer: “Certain select locations do offer a Senior Discount on the first Wednesday of every month. We recommend that our customers check with their local store to see if the discount is offered.”
  • Entenmann’s – Depending on the location, most Entenmann’s Bakery Outlets have one or two senior discount days for those over 60. See your local outlet for details.
  • Fry’s Food Stores – We asked Fry’s about their senior discounts, and received this response: “We offer a senior discount of 10% on the first Wednesday of every month for ‘Senior Day.'”
  • Gristedes – We asked Gristedes about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Some of our stores do, but not all of them.” So be sure to check in with your neighborhood store to find out.
  • Harris Teeter – “Club 60 – Every Thursday we offer seniors 60 and older a 5% Discount!”
  • Hy-Vee – Some stores have Senior Citizen Club cards where those 55 and over can receive 5% off during a day of the week (day varies by location).
  • Kroger – Kroger recently made changes to their senior discount policy. For many stores, the discounts are now on a weekly schedule instead of monthly, and are generally around 5%.
  • Publix – We asked Publix about their senior discounts, and received this response: “We offer senior discounts in our stores in TN, NC and northern parts of AL, SC and GA on Wed. for customers 60 and older.”
  • Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace – “To show our appreciation to all of our valued senior customers, Uncle Giuseppe’s gives a special 5% discount every Wednesday to customers 65 and over! Excludes sale items and catering.”
  • Safeway – We asked Safeway about their senior discounts, and received this response: “[A senior] discount may vary from store to store. We recommend contacting your local store for more information.”

Travelling:

  • Greyhound – “Greyhound passengers age 62 and older may request a 5 percent discount on unrestricted passenger fares. Appropriate ID may be required.”
  • Amtrak – “Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.”
  • American Airlines – “American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® may offer Senior Fares in some domestic markets for seniors 65 years or older. For further information, please call American Airlines Reservations at 1-800-433-7300.”
  • United Airlines – “United offers senior fares to selected travel destinations for passengers who are 65 and older. Ask for more details on these great fares when you make your reservation or select the seniors (age 65 and older) category when you make your booking on united.com.”
  • Southwest Airlines – “Travelers 65 years of age or over may get details on fares, limitations, and any restrictions regarding reservations on southwest.com from a Southwest Airlines Customer Representative or a travel agent. Fares are subject to change until tickets are purchased, but Senior Fares are fully refundable.” More details available – click on link to see them.
  • Alamo – We asked Alamo about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Alamo currently offers senior benefits through select organizations.”
  • Hertz – Special deals are available for 50 Plus Renters.
  • Metro – The public transportation system in Los Angeles offers seniors up to an 80% discount on their fares.

Fitness:

Drug Stores:

  • Rite Aid – Offers a whole wellness65+ program, that has 20% off in-store and online on Wednesdays.
  • Walgreens – Once a month, Walgreens offers a 20% discount day to those over 55.
  • CVS – Veterans “Save 20% every time you shop online at CVS.com and in store at your local CVS/pharmacy. You’ll also receive FREE shipping on your online orders” “You’re eligible to receive Veterans Advantage discounts if you’ve served in any branch of service or during any period of service, both wartime and peacetime. Next of kin — spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter — also can join.”

Hair Care:

  • Great Clips – We asked Great Clips about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Many Great Clips salons offer senior discounts. The owner would set their policy.”

What is: Lewy Body Disease

Posted by on November 7, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Lewy Body Disease

One of the scariest issues with Lewy Body Dementia (sometimes called Lewy Body Disease) is that it is difficult to diagnose, often resembling (for months or years) Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. But it’s imperative to get a correct diagnosis to receive the best treatment for this disease. According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, “Some people with LBD are extremely sensitive or may react negatively to certain medications used to treat Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s in addition to certain over-the-counter medications.”

Additionally, Lewy Body Dementia is not something that can be “tested” for sure. A completely accurate diagnosis can only be performed after the patient dies, when, during the autopsy, the tell-tale “Lewy Bodies” can be found on the brain.

So what is this disease? It’s a form of dementia that can cause hallucinations and “spontaneous features of parkinsonism.” It can be all-encompassing in the way many people experience Alzheimer’s, or sometimes there can be times of clarity.

A great resource for how to give care to those with Lewy Body Dementia can be found on Pines Education Institute of Southwest Florida YouTube Page. In the videos, dementia expert Teepa Snow explains what the disease is, and how to solve movement problems. Check out this informative video:

 

Another great resource is our TotalHomeCareSupplies.com Pinterest board, “Learn About Lewy Body Disease.”

Helping Your Baby Set a Sleep Schedule

Posted by on November 6, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Tips to get your baby on a sleep schedule.

Early on, knowing that eventually your baby will develop a “normal” sleep pattern is sometimes the only thing that can keep you, a very sleep-deprived parent, going. For the first two months, or so, you’ll need to wake up your baby to feed. But after that, you can start making changes that will help your child sleep through the night (or near enough).

Make sure they’re dry
They won’t be able to sleep through the night if their diaper leaks. Prevent leaks by making sure you’re using the correct size diaper. Our previous blog post, How to Choose the Right Size Diaper, can help you with that. And you can always order baby diaper samples to find the best fit!

Keep things boring
Try to keep things low-key once it’s dark outside. Leave toys and playing for the light hours of the day. You’re welcome to interact with your baby, just try to keep the lights low and the excitement level at a minimum.

Let them figure out how to put themselves to sleep
This isn’t necessarily sleep training. It’s more making sure your little one doesn’t need certain things to sleep. Once your baby is more than a month old, try not to let them fall asleep while they’re feeding or being rocked.

Start a routine
Even if it’s hard to keep, try and create the beginnings of a routine. It may not be easy – since babies sleep so much, it’s tempting to just take them out to dinner or a party that goes past their “bedtime.” But if you’d really like to get them on a schedule, set a time to start getting ready for bed, then add in a bath, reading or snuggling.

What’s your best “sleep schedule” tip? We’d love to hear it!

How to Keep a Senior’s Home Sweet-Smelling

Posted by on November 5, 2014 under BladderMatters, Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Nice smell in a senior's house

Everyone wants to make sure that their home smells lovely, and is inviting to their guests. But as seniors age, their sense of smell can become diminished. Additionally, they may not be able to perform the upkeep and cleaning tasks that can be necessary to keep a home or apartment or room smelling nice. Sometimes they need some help. Check out the below tips to keep the scents pleasant.

Make sure their incontinence products are a perfect fit
Small urine leaks can dry quickly and leave nary a sign that they ever existed … except for odor. If your loved one has a favorite chair, and a slight leak, their clothes may be washed within a few days, but perhaps not the chair. Incontinence products must fit correctly if they’re going to prevent leaks. Do not buy a larger size of diaper or pull-up because you think they may be more absorbent – that isn’t how they work.  You can read more about how to prevent leaks in our blog post here.

Get the carpets cleaned at least once a year
Regular vacuuming can help, but a proper steam cleaning can deal with stains, odor and more. You can rent a steam cleaner from the store, or get a professional cleaning.

Dispose of incontinence products correctly
Don’t just throw away disposable briefs any old place. Try to keep their disposal inside one room. Ideally, a garbage can that can individually package each diaper is best, such as ones from Akord.

Don’t just cover up smells – eliminate them
While diffusers, wall-plugs and other good smelling items can make a room smell nice, they’re not getting rid of the bacteria that is causing the odor. Try spraying Fabreeze or another product that specifically states that it eliminates odor-causing bacteria.

Check for UTIs
Urinary tract infections can cause pungent odors in urine, sometimes more than the average disposable brief can deal with. If you feel that your senior’s scent has changed dramatically for the worse in a small amount of time, or if there are any other side effects, like an unwillingness to use the restroom or a change in behavior, have a doctor test them. Checking for UTIs only involves a urine test, so can be diagnosed quickly.

What other tips do our blog readers have? We’d love to hear them!