I doubt men asked for privacy, they line up and poop and pee together which was the same in the darkages, public toilets. I find it hard to believe to keep that secret year after year. If that was the case it most likely was because everyone smelled like ....

My parents were very strict but it was no problem to share the shower (not the bath tub). If you ask me it still feels painful to every elderly to depend on someone else, no matter if it's a stranger, a nurse or the own (grand)children. I truly hope I can take care of myself even if it takes the entire day to do so.