We care for my 89 yr old mother in law and she is a wonderful, sweet, delightful old soul. She is on a walker but gets around and does normal things like some laundry, cooking, despite some dementia setting in. She has always taken very good care of herself and has a safe and handicapped bathroom. But I notice this weekend as I was close to her a slight odor. She doesn't shower every day but she doesn't do anything to get sweaty or dirty but I know at least every other day should be the norm. I think the odor could have been urine. She wears depends and is always conscious of being close to the bathroom if needed but I think this is more from not taking a shower than anything else.
I used the excuse this morning that I was taking her to get her hair cut after work and she needed to shower and wash her hair.
But after this, how does one handle this? She would be simply mortified if she thought she smelled but I know this can be a problem with the elderly. Suggestions?
When we moved my MIL from independent living to AL, we filled 23 contractor size bags and sent them to the dumpster. They contained ripped and stained clothing. Blood soaked (now dired) items, clothes that wouldn't have fit her in the past 5 years, etc. You will slowly do more and more for her albeit behind the scenes. Good luck .