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.
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.
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.
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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