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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
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If they smell of urine, i would recommend going to a pet store and buying a bottle of an enzymatic product specially made to neutralize urine odors. I think the one we use is called Nature's Miracle. Spray or soak the crotch with this stuff before laundering.
If you could insert a tendon her panties that would help. She is obviously staying wet to some degree. This tens will absorb quite a bit and remove it and change it a couple of times a day. She may be risking a uti. I got my mom to use it by telling it looks like I've reached the age when I laugh or whatever I get a little leak. And doctor told me it's normal but to use these. Repeat it often enough. Daily if we'd be then put one on her panties. Did the trick for me. She feels like one of her daughters now
Natures Miracle, as mentioned by another person, works great. I've used it for many years. I potty trained a litter of kittens and it took the stains and odors right out. It works for both pet and human urine.
For washing, try OderBan, available from Home Depot. This stuff really works and it is $10/gallon, which will lasts a long time because you only need a small amount in each load of wash. I am recommending the original product, not the type for laundering. Available on Amazon, but more expensive. I would suggest laundering her undergarments separately in hot water. You can also try vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. If you are using fabric softener liquid or sheets, then I suggest that you stop using those products. Good luck In a pinch, you can use Febreze for pets.
Bonnie, are you talking about Tena pads the bladder control maxi pads? If so I thinking this mom should be wearing a depends type diaper if leakage is a problem. You could also do like we did with mom and put a pad inside the depends that way when she wet she could change the pad without getting totally undressed, it worked great. Once the clothes get wet and have been washed and DRYED several times the smell can get set in. It's the dryer that does the most to set it in. If you get mom new pants try and launder them as others have suggested and hang to dry. Baking soda ia great for getting smells out also, but you need to let clothes soak about 45 min before completing wash cycle. Some of the pants may be beyond help if the smell is set in from to many washes. Hope the best.
Yes im sorry I did mean tena. We did start with her panties first to save face then she gladly accepted a diaper with the same tens. Depending if it is simply a little leakage or is she in continent. A diaper all day can cause a bit of irritation.
Urine and other body fluids, should be washed out in cold water. Hot water sets them in. 100% white cotton you can see if the stain is gone. Then wash in hot water with bleach. Some nylons and polyesters seem to hold onto smells. Make sure they are stain free and smell free before u machine dry them. Run a few white towels and some bleach threw the washer, sometimes water sits in the bottom, and can get smelly. Wipe out the dryer, sometimes plastic gets burned into the drum, and when it gets hot it smells. Also remember diet can change the smell of urine. Then there are medical conditions that can make the urine smell real bad. might be time to go to the doc and have them check her out and do urine tests. this might be a health problem.
Flannel and thicker fabrics will keep a small amount of the urine smell in the fabric and will intensify when more is added. Load up on clearance (seasonal) bedding and PJ's if you can afford. I do have to trash some that the scent lingers. Sunshine helps . But you wouldn't let a baby smell like this so we cant allow this for our adult loved ones.
Febreze Odor Eliminator does wonders! It's added WITH your laundry. It is not the regular Febreze spray. And, "no", your laundry will NOT have THAT Febreze type smell. A $2 coupon can usually be found on the internet. It's available at walmart, etc. and grocery stores. Use the maximum amount mentioned. Nature's Miracle is also a good one, although it will be more expensive. It is not as available as the Febreze. We've been using the Febreze for my mom for many years and have had to throw out ZERO pants since using it. The pants might need a couple of treatments, but just wear and then wash and the odor/smell WILL go away.
My wife is incontinent but never has odor. She never had odor in our normal years. Now she is fully ambulatory with severe dementia and can not clean herself. Cotton panties. Polyester is an irritant and holds moisture and bacteria. Polyester is created with toxic resins that may not get processed out before it becomes clothing, especially if manufactured in countries with less regulation. I cringe when I see advertising touting that polyester wicks moisture away from the skin. It is plastic. It does not absorb or breathe. It is torture. Also I clean my wife well with each toileting or panty change. I keep a supply of wash cloths near the sink. I soak one with warm water, reach between her legs while she is standing, grab a corner and pull it through front to back. I use a fresh cloth for center and the groin channel. Cotton panties. I can feel the polyester irritant in material if I press to my lips. I found a disposable panty that doesn't irritate and have been using those since 2011. Say no to polyester. I also stand her in the shower and spray her underside often. It takes a moment. Note that she is a wildcat, resistive, combative, and remembers her Aikido moves all the while I am doing these things. Cotton panties. Nylon is not processed with the same as polyester, but it doesn't breathe either. 100% Cotton bed sheets also, no blends. We found the 'heat rash' that plagued our children was caused by polyester clothing and bedding.
I have an 82 year old in my home and when I wash laundry and bed pads I add about 1/2 cup of Wisk detergent to my normal detergent. Wisk is an enzyme cleaner for protein stains ( sweat, urine, etc.) It can be hard to find and a little pricey so I use it as a booster only. I can usually find it at Home Depot.
Urine will give off an ammonia smell, and feces ranges from mild to will-not- come-out of clothing. I had a pair of my husband's which he defecated in, and I washed them three times and I could still smell the odor. They got thrown out.
If you are taking all of your parents clothing from the NH and doing their laundry 100% of the time, these are great ideas.
But if their laundry is being done by the facility the only real option to getting clean & freshly-fresh smelling clothes is to replace their clothing often. The NH & AL use industrial machines & detergents & hot water & high heat drying.. Everbody's stuff & funk gets washed with others. Had I known I would have stockpiled dusters, undies, camisoles, etc in advance of moms ever entering a NH!
I always used depends a different brand as the waist was not as tight and when wet would discard and use a children's wet cloth to keep her clean to avoid UTI, Washable panties are a breeder of germs.
We are now using a product called the Tena Stretch Brief night, which is more expensive at $36.99 for 28 of them. But it works as a sort of hybrid between a pull up and a diaper, because you can put a new one one without taking the pants and shoes off, and after its on it can be operated as a pull up all day. Mom does not have large volume incontinences, though. Except rarely of stool.
My dad's private caregiver (part time) gave me this tip on changing disposables: Put on two, then cut the inner one out when soiled. It reduces the clothing removal during the day.
She is a special ed assistant. This tip works well for children in school, too.
Mom (97 with dementia) wears disposable pull-ups and even then sometimes odors cling to clothing and places she sits.
In such cases, I spray OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover on the crotch of the slacks before laundering.
Regarding chairs, we have every seat in the house protected with disposable waterproof pads (paper with plastic backing). That way she can sit anywhere, the same as everybody else.
The pads are expensive so if they just have a slight odor I spray with Fresh Wave Natural Odor Eliminator Home Spray at night before bed. The ingredients are from nature rather than chemicals so they don't trigger our allergies. Also I sometimes give a spritz of this spray on the seat of pants Mom's wearing and she never notices.
Best of luck with this challenge. You've been given some good suggestions. Just be careful not to get chlorine bleach and ammonia together as they give off harmful fumes when combined. (And my sympathies to EllerySir regarding his wife's Aikido moves.)
if you have a regular septic system, I would be very careful in using bleach in your washing machine, could wreck havoc on your septic system. I wash all my clothes in cold and I NEVER dry mine because of shrinkage but glad for the info for any future issues, especially the pet enzyme thing.
I highly recommend having you put your mom in Depends. No more washing of panties; no more odor. Depends are absoluely wonderful! I have been using them on my husband, who has dementia, for six years now. I also began wearing them, as opposed to panties, several years ago, and now when I leak no problem. I feel safe and secure with Depends. I urge you to start using Depends on your mom. Greatest thing on the market so far as I'm concerned.
I use Tide with Febreze and I also hang them to air dry. That really helps with those synthetic fleece pajamas... I also do it for her chico's travelers collection stuff and her knit slacks.
Try using a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. It is a great and inexpensive fix. I'm so grateful to have this site and all of the people on it that take the time and effort to offer their advice and compassion. God bless you all for your caring.
Couldn't read all the answers but my suggestion is Vinegar. Either put it in a spray bottle and spray on the area before washing or put it into the rinse cycle of the washer. I have also used Shout for "certain" smells.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
put cup of vinegar in with laundry
What is a tendon or tens that you mention for absorbing urine? Thanks.
I would suggest laundering her undergarments separately in hot water. You can also try vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. If you are using fabric softener liquid or sheets, then I suggest that you stop using those products.
Good luck
In a pinch, you can use Febreze for pets.
I do have to trash some that the scent lingers. Sunshine helps . But you wouldn't let a baby smell like this so we cant allow this for our adult loved ones.
Also I clean my wife well with each toileting or panty change. I keep a supply of wash cloths near the sink. I soak one with warm water, reach between her legs while she is standing, grab a corner and pull it through front to back. I use a fresh cloth for center and the groin channel. Cotton panties. I can feel the polyester irritant in material if I press to my lips. I found a disposable panty that doesn't irritate and have been using those since 2011. Say no to polyester.
I also stand her in the shower and spray her underside often. It takes a moment.
Note that she is a wildcat, resistive, combative, and remembers her Aikido moves all the while I am doing these things.
Cotton panties. Nylon is not processed with the same as polyester, but it doesn't breathe either.
100% Cotton bed sheets also, no blends.
We found the 'heat rash' that plagued our children was caused by polyester clothing and bedding.
But if their laundry is being done by the facility the only real option to getting clean & freshly-fresh smelling clothes is to replace their clothing often. The NH & AL use industrial machines & detergents & hot water & high heat drying.. Everbody's stuff & funk gets washed with others. Had I known I would have stockpiled dusters, undies, camisoles, etc in advance of moms ever entering a NH!
Washable panties are a breeder of germs.
She is a special ed assistant. This tip works well for children in school, too.
In such cases, I spray OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover on the crotch of the slacks before laundering.
Regarding chairs, we have every seat in the house protected with disposable waterproof pads (paper with plastic backing). That way she can sit anywhere, the same as everybody else.
The pads are expensive so if they just have a slight odor I spray with Fresh Wave Natural Odor Eliminator Home Spray at night before bed. The ingredients are from nature rather than chemicals so they don't trigger our allergies. Also I sometimes give a spritz of this spray on the seat of pants Mom's wearing and she never notices.
Best of luck with this challenge. You've been given some good suggestions. Just be careful not to get chlorine bleach and ammonia together as they give off harmful fumes when combined. (And my sympathies to EllerySir regarding his wife's Aikido moves.)
I'm so grateful to have this site and all of the people on it that take the time and effort to offer their advice and compassion. God bless you all for your caring.