Mentioning someones smell?

[NibbyNora]

I have used a service for many years and the lady who provides the service has a family member present most times (at a commercial establishment)

The elderly relative just chats, potters around helping with odd things. Both really nice ladies.

A couple of days ago I went in and at one point the elderly lady came over to where I was sat and I had to hold my breath as she smelled very strongly of stale sweat and urine. Very strongly.

I had someone else with me and the first thing she said to me when we left was about the ladies smell and how overpowering it was.

The lady also had her tshirt on inside out.

I understand the struggles of dealing with older people but it was quite extreme and also very off putting as a customer (it wouldn't affect my patronage but it might others)

I think that sometimes in that situation you can lose sight of standards in the daily struggle and it might be beneficial to have a reminder or have it pointed out to you that this is happening.

But there were other members of staff, so I don't really understand how nobody else would notice or not say something?

90% of me thinks I need to mind my own buisness as it seems extremely rude to point out someones smell but at the same time it feels like a sort of duty to care, in the same way I would be concerned if a child smelled very bad. Maybe they genuinely haven't noticed because they are with her daily? But its hard to imagine not noticing at that level?

I'm really unsure what to do? Would a kind anonymous message be strange?

Or should I just put it out of my mind?

I am not trying to be unkind or rude at all :(

Its difficult... I assume it hasnt happened before? if so I would maybe wait to see if it is a one off?

I haven't been there for about 8 months so I couldn't say but it wasn't like a fresh urine smell, I can't explain it but the sweat and wee smelt very old and stale.

I was passing by this morning and decided to go in on the pretence of making a service query and it was the same situation again. Very strong.

Now I'm feeling even more conflicted as I know it isn't an isolated incident.

I just think they must know? That maybe she is refusing? And someone mentioning it isn't going to make a difference to that, is it? I would probably just be causing them more stress in a difficult situation? Which I wouldn't want to do obviously.

If she’s bringing her relative to work with her, this is surely not allowed, any more than bringing your child is (apart from exceptional circumstances and with permission). They may be nice ladies, but it isn’t ok to bring relatives into the workplace.

If she’s bringing her relative to work with her, this is surely not allowed, any more than bringing your child is (apart from exceptional circumstances and with permission). They may be nice ladies, but it isn’t ok to bring relatives into the workplace.

It might be the daughter's business?

It is a family business, yes.