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sp19690 Asked May 2021

Nursing home smells. Are they still like this or was the nursing home grandma was in 15 years ago just a bad one?

Why do they always smell like pee? That's the one thing I can't deal with, is that smell. Are they still like this or was the nursing home grandma was in 15 years ago just a bad one?

AnnReid May 2021
I’ve been dealing with the same SN-MC-AL complex since 2001, through 4 different family members.

In “our” time there, I’ve never EVER detected odor from body fluids EXCEPT if I was in a patient’s room after the toilet was used.

I consider odor management a critical part of residential care management in general. I personally wouldn’t place a Loved One in a setting where this was a chronic problem.

”Accidents”, maybe. Continuous? I’d have second thoughts.

cwillie May 2021
A well run home shouldn't always smell like pee, but you have to face the reality that incontinence is a part of nursing home life and there are going to be times when odours are going to be noticeable.

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Grandma1954 May 2021
Some of this depends on when you visit.
Early morning when residents are getting up, before bedding has been changed you might find a particularly strong odor.
But if this is an ongoing problem I would bring it up with administration. It could be that housekeeping is short staffed or not doing a good job.
It might also indicate that there is a health problem, when I had my Husband in "Day Care" at a local facility I noticed an increase in odors at the beginning of an outbreak of Noro virus.

cxmoody May 2021
Vicks applied right under the nose is a wonder.

This hint was given to me by a seasoned nurse. 😀

sp19690 May 2021
Good to know most are not like I remember.

JoAnn29 May 2021
I don't find this as much anymore. I think maybe they have found products that get the smell out better. I also have found, in Moms NH anyway, that they change people quickly.

answry May 2021
The one dad is in thankfully does not come with odors or as you call it, pee smell.
But boy do I know what you mean. I had an uncle in a nursing home about as you say 15 years ago and the smell would hit you as soon as you opened the door. My visits had to stop. Now I'm just prepared in case that changes. I keep masks, gloves, sanitizer, and disinfectant spray in my purse. The last disinfectant spray we found is not loud at all. Got it from Walgreens.

Hoping it remains smell free!

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