With COVID-19 spreading, we’re hearing non-stop about the importance of social distancing.
I work in two nursing homes, with residents that are extremely vulnerable to the effects of contracting the coronavirus. I sometimes place my hand on a resident’s forearm, as a gesture of expressing my concern for them. It saddens me to realize that this is something that I should cease doing.
I work with extremely lonely individuals, many of whom have absolutely no visitors during the week. Nurses come in to administer their medications, and aides enter to deliver their meals. Other than that, they remain extremely socially isolated.
Touch is very important to our wellbeing. It remains important throughout our lifetimes. I pray that the coronavirus can be effectively managed within a reasonable amount of time.
