I know this question has been posted but I need suggestions for 97 year old who is very alert and physically capable. OMG, I'm not talking spitting. This is horking up loogies and spitting all over the place. He claims he's spitting in the toilet, but he's not even in the bathroom. I won't allow anyone in the area without shoes. OMG...and the smell. He does not have Alzheimers or dementia. He's just a pig. He refuses to brush or clean his mouth. I work in dental so it's insulting, but...whatever. Sometimes I wish I could just let him sit in all the filth, but it doesn't bother him. Home Health has come 3 x week for months and he refuses to bathe and they can't force him. We've tried acting like it's a prize, we've been stern...nothing. I know it's crazy. I already feel better by just having said this. Any suggestions?
You say he's of sound mind, yet you're not describing behavior of an individual who's in possession of a sound mind at ALL. Elders with dementia exhibit these types of behaviors where they refuse to bathe and where disturbing practices such as spitting doesn't phase them in the least. Same with claiming he's 'spitting in the toilet' when he's not even in the bathroom. That's delusional thinking. Perhaps you can supply him with spittoon type vessels that he can spit into, such as plastic Rubbermaid bowls and such, which may be easier to clean than the floors.
If it were me, I'd be unable and unwilling to put up with such behavior and I'd insist on placement immediately.
Good luck
I can tell him to stop spitting when he does it in front of me and his only answer is, "I'm not spitting"...and then a mumble of "F&*% off, leave me alone". The spittoons are everywhere, but he generally misses.
I am so glad to hear that others would not put up with this behavior.