What to do about a person who stinks?

Question

I work in the medical field and we have a patient that smells so bad that other patients won't wait in the lobby with her. She also stinks up the exam room so bad that we have to spray air freshner in the room after her and keep the door open when she is waiting in the exam room. How do we gently go about fixing this problem. Thanks

Answer 1

Maybe buy a basket full of body cleansers deoderants and shampoos (dollar store stuff) tell her that she was the patient of the day and she won the basket ...spray some to suggest that that mmm this would smell so pretty on you..and how lucky she is to have won.

Answer 2

Obviously there is something wrong with the patient. Either there is something medically wrong with her or there is something mentally wrong with her. If you are in a medical field then you are there to help her with both. I would say the doctor should be discussing hygiene with her or get a phsych consult for her. If it is as bad as it sounds i'm sure she has some idea that she doesn't smell that great. Is she homeless? If she could be you should contact social services...most clinics or hospitals have social services.

I guess what i'm saying is don't just treat the smell treat the reason behind the smell. There has to be a reason for it.

Answer 3

I've dealt with this so many times as a nurse, it's amazing how many people are totally unaware of how their lack of hygiene affects others.
You have to have a nurse or a doctor, someone with authority in the patient's eyes, sit down and tell her the facts. She smells bad, it's because of poor hygienic habits, and if she wants to continue to come to the clinic she will need to clean herself up or she will be considered a health hazard and not allowed back. Because a health hazard is exactly what she is, to herself and to everyone around her.

Answer 4

I think the only way to be gentle about it is to make sure that you do it in total confidence. Take her in a room by herself and perhaps let her know that it's the hospital or facilities policy to ask or offer guests who may need it, advising on hygeine. Offer her a small kit with some tools in it, make it brief and to the point. Don't be abrasive and say something like - "you stink, and everyone is complaining" but rather say something like - It is important to me that you are aware...etc. etc. - don't beat around the bush - say it, offer help, and really it's her choice whether or not she wants to follow that advice.

Answer 5

You're in the medical field, you have a better chance at approaching this subject with her than anyone without making it sound like an insult.

Answer 6

Since you work in a medical field you could ask her about her personal hygiene in a way that would make it sound like you were just doing a routine questionnaire....Then tell her about the importance of cleanliness....for her health....

Answer 7

Ask her if she has had any issues with body odor. If she says no, tell her that it seems to be an issue now, and maybe you can help her come up with a solution. I am sure she would want to know. I would!

Answer 8

Gently spray her down with a firehose and scrub her down with a long-handled stiff brush.

Answer 9

Just randomly say..I love you so much I wanted to get you a gift =]]

And hand her a bar of soap and some shampoo lol

Answer 10

ask her if she takes showers and next time just be like you need to take care of yourself so that you can stay healthy,or if its a geriatric patient then see if they have a home health nurse.

peace and love

-Katie