I often visit parishioners in hospitals and institutions. Keep these rules in mind during visits.

• Less is more. Sick people do not need long visits. Over two visitors are too many.
• Keep visits upbeat and positive. Don’t tell horror stories about how your Aunt Edna died from the same affliction.
• Practice proper hygiene. Wash hands before and after the visit.
• If the sign says No Visitors, this means YOU.
• Give medical personnel space to do their jobs. Exit a room during care.
• Never sit on the edge of a hospital bed. Check a patient’s hand for IV lines before holding it. Avoid IV stands, catheter lines, and drainage bags.
• Visit on the patient’s timetable, avoiding early mornings and late nights.
• Honor confidentiality. Do not share details without the patient’s blessing.

If in doubt, then do unto others as you would have them do unto you.