Scented Products

[SpinningGwenny]

Since a worsening ofmy Pulmonary Hypertension I have severe reactions to one of my carers predilection to scented everthing. She swears she doesn’t use any scented products but i can small it as soon as she enters the room. It is preventing me getting the care I need. My carer swears she cannot make and more changes so I need to know what more I can do. Thank you.

[stone-UK]

Hi

What you are describing, can not only make your condition worse but could land you in hospital. Personal experience.

Its either on the person or some kind of fabric condition. Either way it as to be resolved for your own wellbeing.

[SpinningGwenny in reply to stone-UK]

That’s what worries me. I’ve tried appealing to the care team boss but she doesnt understand what it is like.

[Yatzy]

I feel so sorry for you, Gwenny. Perfumes are one of my asthma triggers, and I feel as though I’m suffocating in a perfumed environment. Apart from telling her, as no doubt you’ve done, It’s difficult. I would probably move on to speaking politely to her manager, explaining your health issues. Problems with perfumes are quite well known these days. Perhaps the manager can swap her over with another carer? Good luck!

[SpinningGwenny in reply to Yatzy]

Thank you for replying. I have spoken to the care team leader and she says she cannot swap another carer. This is my 4th night this week when i’ve been unable to accept care. The carer remains in the hallway to complete one task and I have to leave my front door for 10-15 minites till the scent dissipates. The carer now thinks she can weat extra scented propducts as i dont come in contact with her. She hasnt figured out that the smell affects my hallway and bedroom too. I am at the end of my tether. This is not how I expected local authority care in the last stage of my life to be. I have another terminal illness other than PH.

[Yatzy in reply to SpinningGwenny]

Oh no, I can’t believe it! Could your GP, consultant or other health professional intervene as you’ve tried to resolve the matter yourself but met with no cooperation? I’m so very sorry to hear that you’re struggling with terminal illnesses. If that’s the case, you might get some support from the palliative care team at a local hospice?? Some do send staff to your home and often have links with other local care services. It’s possible that they can pull a few strings. I can’t think of anything else to try, I’m afraid, but someone else on here might have another suggestion. I do so hope the situation can be resolved.

[SpinningGwenny in reply to Yatzy]

The problem with that is that the scent has contaminated the air.

[Yatzy in reply to SpinningGwenny]

An air purifier will help. I use a couple, a Vax and my new robot baby, a Dyson.

[SpinningGwenny in reply to Yatzy]

I have two of the Homedics ones that i useall day. Wonderful machines.

[Inamoment in reply to SpinningGwenny]

My daughter is a care work supervisor and is always swapping carers around. Tell them you want her swapped and mention safeguarding, that generally puts the fear of god into them. If your carer was off sick they would get someone else round. Don't accept No. Is it private or council?

[SpinningGwenny in reply to Inamoment]

It is a council run care timd. Thank you. I’ve been told another key phrase is ‘duty of care’

[Inamoment in reply to SpinningGwenny]

Complain to social services, mention the key phrases. My daughter reckons the company are possibly short of carers.

[peege]

Oh dear, what a predicament for you. It could be deodorant, most of them are 'perfumed' - I use that word lightly - when the wearer is warm the smell can be quite vile. Some women also use a person hygiene spray 😳then there are detergents, fabric softener, . So tricky, I can only suggest you wear a mask, you could say it's to prevent germs?

[SpinningGwenny in reply to peege]

A mask doesnt stop my house becoming polluted.

[Lillian12]

Is it possible to ring the agency or department where your carer works and ask for somone else by explaining the situation as it compromising your health .Personal experience of mine is all cleaning fluids bleach etc so now I don't use any x

[susteart]

Fabric softeners are one of the worst offenders Lenor makes me gag, and Surf washing powder I can smell a mile away they are so strong. Some people use far too much in thier washing. And as for those new bead freshners well they are a an attack waiting to happen.I totally get how you feel as when in shops just someone walking past wearing perfume makes me breathless why do some people feel the need to wear half a bottle when one spray will suffise.

[O2Trees in reply to susteart]

Lenor is DISGUSTING!!

[Yatzy in reply to O2Trees]

I use Surcare powder and conditioner, no perfume in either, if that’s any help...Sainsburys, Waitrose or big Tesco’s.

[SpinningGwenny]

Thanks to everyone who replied and offered really good advice. I worked up a good head of steam and the carer in question will no longer be sent to me. Added to which, a social worker will be visiting in a couple of days to see how my care can be improved.