What I have begun to do is tell my mom there something wrong with the water heater and she needs to take a shower soon because the water’s going to be shut off for a few days.. this never fails.. YES I’m lying, but I do what ever it takes to get her to take a shower WITHOUT it being a battle .. I definitely would NEVER tell her she smells bad, THAT’s a cruel thing to say that would only make her feel bad..

Try making it a spa day. Every woman loves to be pampered. Find a special soft towel just for her shower. Use a nice shower wash puff. Get a scented shower liquid soap. Have a nice lotion for after her bath. Trim her fingernails and toenails. Use a nice shampoo and conditioner. Rather than taking about her possible odor, make it a positive event. It may help.

Hey, Kenny!
I ended up keeping a space heater next to my mom so she can stay warm without heating up the whole house. There is also one in her bathroom. I make sure she dresses warm and keeps a blanket next to her chair if she needs it.
In regard to showering, I just tell my mom she needs to shower because she smells bad. It is hard to tell her that, but she needs to know. I also make sure to dump her clothes in the laundry so they get washed instead of worn over and over again. Sometimes its the clothes that stink and not my mom.
Hang in there! You are not alone in your struggle..

I too would struggle with mom and showering. She would go days without so tried talking with her. setting up a shower day and write it on the calendar, sounds cruel but told her she was beginning to smell, tried evenings before bed, afternoons when it was warmer and lighter, shower chair with towel covering it, warmed towels in dryer and still would be a task. I recognize the fear of falling and always being cold so tried to accommodate that. Usually after it was all done, she would thank me and say she felt much better!

I just tell my mom I got the shower on and ready, get in there and start washing up I'll be back with clean clothes and to help her with her hair. She doesn't argue with me if I just do instead of asking if or do you want. It is much easier and less stressful.