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He is 79, still pretty sharp, won't drink water so he feels bad until he gets his codeine (4 times a day). He has near total loss of hearing (won't wear his 2500 dollar hearing aid) won't shower or brush his teeth, he has cdif and hepatitis. His dog sleeps on his bed and they both stink. I bathe the dog but I think he gets his odor from my dad.

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If he has c-diff he's highly contagious. In fact, your dog may catch c-diff from your dad. You may even get it. If he is touching house surfaces, your home is at risk of spreading c-diff to anybody who visits--including children. He probably got it taking antibiotics. You really need to get him in a hospital especially if he is refusing to take care of his hygiene. He needs to be on antibiotics under a doctor's care to kill the c-diff--and hopefully it is not a resistant strain.
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As a person who used to love showering, I now dread it and so does my sister. I am in my 70's. Showers don't feel good anymore. Try tub baths, and sink baths instead.
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I went through something similar with my dad who also had C Diff. It is highly contagious and if not treated can cause serious issues. Please get your dad to the hospital for treatment.
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Not drinking, c. diff and codeine...a recipe for dehydration, urinary tract infections and stomach upsets. Why is he on the codeine? What does your father say about his resistance to grooming and showering? Is he aware of the effect it has on others? And where is he at in relation to the Hep C diagnosis? Is he a carrier, have active disease? He is treading on a slippery slope. Yes, he needs treatment.
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Some times as people get older they feel why bother with changing clothes or taking a shower, all they do is sit around the house. I bet if there was a senior center close by that you can take your Dad to visit, and he starts going there, in no time the showers will start happening :)

If you do Dad's laundry, grab the clothes he was wearing the day before, so that will force him to find something else to wear. Have a bedspread that is easy to wash as that will hold odors, too. I am using a small quilt on my bed, it's too small for the bed but is so easy to throw into the washer... I figure no one except myself will see the bedrooms.
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you know when you feel sick you don't want to do anything sometimes you have to drag yourself out of bed. He probably feels like crap, codeine has a sedative effect, he needs to go to the ER get blood work and treatment. God Bless
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MsRandall, glad to read I am not alone. Also in my early 70's. I dread showers, too, but I hate tub baths even more. I rather spray myself down with Lysol :P I found using baby wipes is a good choice for a quick fix. I even use them on an elderly cat who can't wash, she doesn't mind the unscented ones.

I know as we creep up in age, there is always that fear of falling in the tub. Some folks also feel claustrophobic in a shower. I have glass doors and have to keep the back door opened.
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You cannot make him or reason with him. Your dad is exactly like mine. One day, out of the blue, he took one because he could smelled himself. Take your dad to see doctor and let them talk directly to Dad. I know it's very difficult to reason with him. Warn him that you're going put him in the nursing home if he doesn't take showers. 😉
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I went through the same thing with my Father. Only my Dad would change his clothes but this didn't do much to solve the problem of odor. When you hear hind-sight is 20-20 know it is so very true. My father quite taking showers in his late 80's The reason why is he was so afraid that he would fall and that would be the end of him. It turned out to be true about 3-4 years later. He was with my brother and had coffee. They left to go to my Dads cabin approximately 140 miles away. My father who had suffered with Renal problems for several years had to urinate for most of the long trip. My brother ignored my Dad' request until it was practically to late. Once stopped my brother didn't get over to help my Dad out of the car in icy Mn. My father got out so fast because he didn't want to soil himself and sure enough sliped on the ice and broke or strained his shouled. This lead to hasten his passing at age 92. Now my Mother is in the same position. She is 93 and hadn't taken a shower in quite some time prior to myself getting very lucky and finding a strong, take no prisoners former CNA. When I say lucky trust me I don't believe in luck I do believe in the Hand of God. This woman who I will refer to her as W. Well my Mom and W hit it off from the start. She helps my Mom around the house and always seems to be doing something. On Mondays it's shower day. My Mom almost sounds like she is looking forward to Monday's. W is able to help my Mom though this because she couldn't shower by herself because of a major knee problem. You said you Dad was 79? which by today's standards is fairly young. Is he unable or unwilling. Has he ever given you the impression that he is afraid of falling. This is a hard thing for a proud man to admit. I hope in some small way my story has helped. Good Luck and never give up.
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The loss of the ability to smell is one of the first signs of dementia. My husband can't smell himself -- I have to tell him to shower. He says he doesn't sweat, so how can he smell? But if I say something like "Phew! you REALLY need a bath!" he'll comply.
If he's further into dementia, use the barrier cloths they use in the hospital. They are bigger and sturdier than baby wipes. Your local pharmacist will either have them in stock or can order them for you.
As for the dogs -- he needs them for their comfort, and he can't smell them. We have two little dogs that sleep with us, but on a throw that is on top of the regular bedcovers. They cuddle against my husband and bring him more comfort than I can!
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