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whatisnext Asked January 2018

My 93 year old Mom's hygiene is terrible. She refuses help of any kind, I can hardly stand the smell anymore, what do I do?

SueC1957 Jan 2018
Be frank. "Mom, I'd hate for someone else to mention this to you. You have an odor. I think its time to take a shower. Let me help you in the tub." Have it ready to go when you tell her.

It all depends on how close you are with your mom. My mother wanted no part of me helping her bathe because we didn't really have a relationship until she got dementia.

Grammyteacher Jan 2018
Look for Teepa Snow videos on bathing...you might get some ideas there.
With my mom, I would simply get things ready first thing in the morning. I used a space heater to warm up the room. Made sure re the washer was set at the right temp. We had a shower chair and a hand held shower hose. All of these made it easier. I didn't "ask" I just told/directed. "Mom, it is time for a shower. Sit right here...."

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