Why do some aged care homes smell funny?

If you’re touring aged care homes for a loved one, you may notice that some facilities have a distinctive smell. This can be concerning for families, as it raises questions about cleanliness, hygiene and the overall standard of care. However, it’s important to understand that odours in aged care homes can come from a variety of sources — some completely normal and others that may indicate an issue.

Understanding why aged care homes can have odours

Aged care homes are large environments, often housing between 60 to 101 or more residents according to Gen Aged Care Data. With so many people living together, each with unique medical and personal care needs, occasional odours are inevitable. Here are some of the main reasons why an aged care home might have a noticeable smell…

1. Toileting needs and continence care

Many residents in aged care have conditions that affect their bladder and bowel control. While staff work hard to manage continence care, accidents do happen. If a resident has an episode and bedding or clothing is not changed promptly, odours can develop. Some homes handle this more efficiently than others, ensuring quick clean-up and using odour-neutralising products.

2. Ventilation and airflow

How an aged care home is built plays a big role in how smells linger. Older buildings with poor ventilation can hold onto musty or stale smells, while modern homes with better airflow systems are often fresher. Homes with open windows, air purifiers and proper ventilation tend to smell cleaner than those that rely solely on artificial air circulation.

3. Laundry and linen management

With hundreds of residents, laundry is constantly being washed, dried and stored. If soiled linen or clothing is left sitting for too long before being cleaned, it can create unpleasant odours. High-quality aged care homes often have strict laundry routines and well-organised linen rooms to prevent this issue. If you’re looking for more information about quality aged care facilities, please refer to the Star Rating system and search tool provided by the government.

4. Cleaning standards

Some aged care homes have higher hygiene standards than others. While all facilities should follow strict cleaning protocols, the reality is that some may not clean as thoroughly or as frequently as they should. A lingering smell in common areas or residents’ rooms may indicate poor maintenance or inadequate cleaning procedures. Check out the Aged Care Guide directory online or through our print publications and reach out to providers directly if you want to learn more about their standards.

5. Medical conditions and medications

Certain health conditions can cause body odours or strong-smelling bodily fluids. Infections, wound care and side effects from medication can all contribute to smells that are beyond the control of the facility. A well-run aged care home will have effective hygiene practices to manage these situations with dignity and care.

How to assess an aged care home's cleanliness

A smell in an aged care home doesn’t automatically mean it’s unclean or poorly run, but it’s important to assess how the facility manages any odours. Here’s what to look for…

• Is the smell only in certain areas or is it throughout the home? A mild odour in a resident’s room might be due to personal hygiene needs, whereas strong smells in hallways or common areas could indicate a bigger issue.
• Are staff actively cleaning and maintaining the home? Look for fresh linen, tidy bathrooms and well-kept communal spaces.
• Is the home well-ventilated? Notice if windows are open, the air is flowing or if air fresheners are used excessively to mask odours.
• How do staff respond to odorous areas? If you mention a smell, do they acknowledge it and explain or do they dismiss your concerns?

What's the bottom line?

All aged care homes will have some level of odour from time to time — it’s a natural part of caring for a large number of people with diverse needs. However, well-managed homes prioritise cleanliness, proper ventilation and timely care to keep odours under control. When touring a facility, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their cleaning routines, continence management and laundry processes. A home that is transparent and proactive about these issues is likely to be providing a higher standard of care for its residents.