Thanks all for the well wishes.

i like the tack idea. will look into it if all starts to fall off. don't know if tacks go deep enough to hold since it's all cement/plaster. works great on wood though, but it's not what they have. i'd probably need something a bit longer than normal tacks, like small nails and put them in on an angle. i should have done that. wouldn't make a difference if i cause damage, they already live in a mice and roach infested place that's dilapidated. welcome to the jungle. i can't get them to move for squat - too old.

i forgot about the blankets underneath. my dad can probably do this since he doesn't really have accidents. My grandma, otoh, does.