Regarding close up affection toward patients …. Have we forgotten what happened during COVID?
I work in hospice and tend to keep things professional. Since COVID I tend to avoid personal contact, though a handshake or a hug occasionally can mean a lot. Hand holding, rubbing someone’s back or shoulders is completely acceptable and hand hygiene to follow. I care so much about our patients and their families, however I see staff especially of some local assisted living facilities swoon over a dying patient, hugging, kissing, etc. and I can only think of how many other staff have done the same before and after them. Families have mentioned to me how many women are kissing their husband, etc. and it’s sometimes a little off putting in that way and concerning when I think of infection control. And I’m not a stickler by any means.. these places I visit take strong precautions once there’s an illness going around, but then I see this sort of thing.