Bathing
Well, I think I might have cracked it at last. My aunt hasn't bathed for years, she also slept in her dress - the same dress she's had on for over 2 years, along with a liberty bodice, vest, 3 pairs of knickers (an under pair, a normal pair and an over pair! Don't ask me???) So, eventually I called the doctor to cajole her into at least taking her clothes off and getting into a night dress, to no avail. Then came the District Nurses who said I couldn't force her to wash or change clothes. As you can imagine, the smell was dreadful and I resorted to plug-ins all over the house which only masked the smell. I then started to think about the war period, and even my own childhood when in the 50s I had a tin bath on a Friday night in front of the fire. One day a few weeks ago (not a Friday) I went into my aunt's room and said 'it's bath night - it's Friday'. She then said 'Well, you'll have to get the bath which is hanging on the coalhouse wall, then you'll have to boil the kettles'. I took a bowl in and told her that the kettles were taking too long to boil so I'd have to give her a strip wash quickly so she didn't get cold. 'Good idea' she said. 'I don't want to catch pneumonia'. So I actully WASHED her!! Now, every few days (because I don't want to push my luck) I tell her it's Friday and bath night! It's working for now and the smell is a little less. However, she has worse habits than not washing her hands after using the toilet I'm afraid. Know what I'm talking about?? Mind you, it hasn't stopped her from screaming, but it's one less problem. It's such a shame because I have a lovely bathroom which I'm SURE she'd love, but she won't entertain it. These things are sent to try us.
Love to all.
Jilly