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Hello. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I have a very sensitive sense of smell and when I'm taking care of my dad, having to empty pee pots and his bowl of teeth (brushing and spit), it makes me nauseous. How do people deal with this? Are there tips to not get nauseous when dealing with bodily issues?

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I have a necklace that has a little locket and a sponge inside it, that you can put essential oils on the sponge. Then when something is really bothering me you can put the necklace up to your nose.
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Reply to Drivingdaisy
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I can deal with the smells and cleaning up urine and faeces, but I would struggle with the teeth and spit. Just thinking about that makes me feel nauseous.
I would follow others' suggestions about a mask and scented spray, along with a good cleaning product.

For the teeth, I would deal with it by placing in an empty kitchen sink (I personally wouldn't be able to deal with it if there were dishes in there) and look away while water pours from the tap into the bowl of teeth. I would look again only after enough water has gone in to remove all traces of spit etc.

I would do this while wearing rubber cleaning gloves and I would clean the teeth and bowl at arm's length and I wouldn't look too closely at what I was doing. I would gag otherwise.

I think that playing fast, upbeat music, would help me by keeping a rhythm and distracting me from the task. That's what I do when I'm cleaning, anyway.
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Reply to MiaMoor
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Open windows to freshen air.
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Reply to brandee
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The worst thing in caring gor my Mom was toileting her. I too am sensitive yo smells and I gag.

The suggestions are very good.

My daughter was an LPN and now RN. I have no idea how she works in NHs.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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I’m the same way. Anything coming out of any orifice and I’m out. I would never be able to get used to that. Some of us are just wired like that.

I don’t have a weak stomach but if I think about stuff like that I want to gag.
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Reply to LoopyLoo
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Isthisrealyreal May 16, 2025
I am with you. Nothing makes it easy or doable for me.
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You have to clean a lot but there is a product called Pooph! which is a spray cleaner. They also make a laundry booster. I have never seen a product that worked this well to neutralize smells. It's non-toxic too.

I was a homecare CNA for 25 years. I have seen, smelled, and cleaned the most disgusting messes there are. What helped me to deal with it is not only did I always wear gloves, I always wore a face mask too long before covid was a thing. I would keep a bunch of them in my car and would mist them with lavender cologne. Lavender is a good scent for face masks.

I'd get a few clients who would tell me that I was overreacting with the mask and that the smell isn't that bad. Then I'd ask if they'd prefer I remove the mask and vomit on their floor. Try the masks and gloves. They help.
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Reply to BurntCaregiver
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i have the same issue but with urine and feces. He’s stubborn about changing midday and the vinyl lift lazyboy he lives in all day has begun to absorb urine under the upholstery through the seams when he leaks. I did find the absolute best cleaner/odor removal recommended on one of my dog owners groups. It’s called Rocco and Roxie and is sold at Walmart and Amazon. I buy it in the gallon jug after buying the spray bottle size.
For your issue I can only think of masking up and maybe even a light spritz of cologne and letting it dry on the mask before using.
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Reply to Credulous
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Pop on an N95 for those chores. You can even try putting a drop of peppermint essential oil or similar on the mask, being careful not to get fumes into your eyes.
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Reply to Slartibartfast
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