Follow
Share

He wears the same thing 24/7 for weeks. Says he loses his breath when he changes. He does have heart and breathing problems and he sleeps in a recliner. We end up in argument every time I tell him he smells. He doesn't believe it because he washes (sort of).

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
My husband’s step-grandmother used to promise his grandfather that if he showered and changed clothes, they would go to his favorite restaurant for dinner. It always worked.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

DiPapp, at night when he takes off those clothes to go to bed, you quickly put them into the washer until you are ready to run a load.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Freqflyer, I do that when he takes them off, but he'll wear the same thing 24/7 for days - sometimes weeks! He has problems breathing and the effort of changing clothes is too difficult. I've tried to suggest changing in a positive way, tried to tell him he smells (which he doesn't believe), and downright demanded, but nothing works. He ends up angry and we have an argument.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

DiPapp, thanks for adding more information into your post. Since hubby sleeps in a recliner that would make it difficult to grab his clothes.

In his earlier years, did he like Old Spice? It is now made in a body wash.

One thing to remember as as we get older, taking a shower is as exhausting as going to the gym.

Try buying nice smelling baby wipes that are easy to use on his arms, legs, and private parts. I use them when I don't have time or energy to use the shower.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Huggies, feminine wipes and wearing incontinent briefs help me stay dainty. (I’m not incontinent, this just keeps your tail end clean). Wash your face every day and LOTION! Lots of it all over my body.

And washing our clothes is just necessary. Pick out his two fav outfits (probably seasonal) and ‘wash up’ and put the clean pair on while washing the dirty. My arthritis has caused my spine to twist so I like loose pants or capris. Loose fitting tops. I have one jacket (warm climate) and slide on shoes.

Hire a person to come wash him up from an agency or freelance if all else fails.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Pants changing is easy . When he sits on toilet and his pants are down . He can remove them and slip on new ones and undies. That how we do it with my 96 year old Mother if shes really tired. Try to get him to wear button shirts . That makes it easier too . Dry hair shampoo work for a while too . Sponge baths . When hes in bathroom again . Just put a basin and some water etc next to him. If he needs help washing his hair . Put a chair next to the sink . They have things that attach to the faucet ( hoses) . That you can use to wash his hair . My Mothers nurses aid uses one . The whole shower and hair thing is a bit much for my mom these days .
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Excellent idea on the pants. Cut the shirt off when he’s asleep. I’m sort of teasing. I might be tempted.
Don’t get mad. Just present him with clean clothes. Let him fuss. He’ll soon stop when he’s out of breath. Put something in his chair like a loaded laundry basket when he gets up and change him then.
Don’t bring him food to his chair unless he changes. Use what you have. Maybe you can’t find the remote until he changes. Anyone that has enough energy to argue has enough energy to change. Maybe just clean his feet and legs one day. Fresh socks. The next day his face and hands. Another day his arms. Etc.
it’s a common problem if it makes you feel any better. Most caretakers and patients feel better once the barriers are down.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

You can buy clothes that are velcro and are easy to take off! Silverts.com makes some interesting stuff you might want to check out. You can also just look up Adaptive Clothing and see if you find anything that would fit your needs. For bathing you can buy no rinse shower wipes on amazon in bulk. They were a great help when my grandpa got to the point where getting in and out of the shower was too dangerous. Hope some of this helped!
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Thank you all for your suggestions; they really help. I'm definitely getting wet wipes and since he has problems with his "back end" I'll going to try Depends. Laying out fresh clothes without saying a word sounds like a good idea, as do several others. Believe me, I have thought about cutting the clothes off him while sleeping!! Of course, I never would! I just have to learn to turn off my feelings - don't get angry or frustrated - and let him fume. It's so sad to see someone you love and been married to for 48 years get like this. Knowing you all have been or are going through this helps. Thank you for your support!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter