The taste of a freshly baked peanut butter cookie can remind you of your mom covered in flour greeting you after a long day at school. The smell of pipe tobacco might remind you of your grandfather reading you a book in his leather chair. Tastes and smells hold memories. As these senses fade, so can memories and the comfort associated with them.
A normal part of the aging process is our senses will fade. When our loved one is having difficulty seeing or hearing, we typically are very concerned and bring them to the doctor to try to alleviate these issues. But just as important is our sense of taste and smell, although these issues can often go untreated.
A loss of smell can be dangerous to an elderly individual living on their own. They may not be able to smell smoke from a fire. They may not notice the smell of gas from a stove left on. They may not smell spoiled food that can lead to food poisoning. The loss of smell can compromise their safety.
If you loved one can no longer smell the aroma of a fresh cup of coffee, a Sunday afternoon pot roast, or fresh bread from the oven, this can decrease their appetite leading to poor nutrition, weight loss, impaired immunity, and impact their quality of life. In an attempt to improve the taste, many elder will use excess salt or sugar, which can lead to high blood pressure or diabetes. Not being able to enjoy these simple things in life can sometimes cause depression or stress.
Although the loss of taste and smell cannot be reversed, some impairments can be treated. Consult a physician to address any issues that may be contributing to your seniors loss of taste or smell, such as:
If you loved one is experiencing difficulty eating due their fading senses, here are a few suggestions to help with nutrition:
At Aegis Living, our communities employ expert chefs who make meals that are not only tasty, but visually appealing to our residents. Our mealtimes are social events where our residents enjoy time with each other, while getting nutritious meals to boost their immunity and to keep them healthy. We offer snacks and beverages throughout the day to stimulate their appetites and keep them hydrated. We understand that a senior’s loss of taste and smell can be challenging, so we take extra care with every meal and snack that we serve our residents.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.