How can I politely ask my Grandpa not to spit indoors while on vacation?

Question

My Grandpa is about 84. He has a slight case of dementia. But, even before the dementia, he had the habit of talking with his mouth full, and purposely spitting out food onto the floor and table. I think he did it for attention, and if he saw it bothered you he'd do it more. Recently, he's gotton to where he hocks out big wads of spit in the house, every 15 mintues or so. I'm going on a trip with them soon, in which my husband and I are taking over the place after they leave. My husband would be horrified if he thought the couch, etc. had been spit on. Additionally I'll be driving them around in a rental car which I'm certain he'll spit in. Of coarse I realise he's old, won't be around forever, and try to overlook it. But, if he's spitting food and phlym all over that car and condo, there are sanitation issues and possibly liability. People have told him for years about these things, and it has no effect. Is there anything I can say to try to cut this down during the trip?

Answer 1

What's your relationship like with him?  Does he respect you?  If he doesn't respect you, and since he does this for attention, I don't think it would help by talking to him.

Must you be the one traveling with "them"?  Who are the other people involved?  Can any of them drive?  Can any of them talk to him about this?

Answer 2

He is 84, he is some dementia.  I don't know exactly how much he is going to understand even if you did actually talk to him about it.  I think the one you should talk to should be your Grandmother and it should be well in advance of the trip.  She is the one who lives with him and I am sure that if he listens to anyone....he will listen to her.  Perhaps she can even address this issue with a family Physician or someone because this is very abnormal behavior and it needs to be corrected.  It is NOT acceptable.  Like you said, there is a rental car and a rented Condo that has to be accounted for....plus sanitation reasons.  Talk with your Grandmother...but be kind and courteous and patient.

Peace & Love :)