Social Moods.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 412, 7 April 1904, Page 2

Social Moods.

ON VISITING THE SICK. - Sjj|N regard to visiting those of one's Mi frieil dß who are ill there is a point 4§ which is so all-impottant that ■ i.,. °°*\ in S elae » by oomparieon, matters in the least—namely, is it wiser to go, or to stay awayp Un'it this question has been seriously considered, put before the family of the invalid, and decided one way or the other, the affair is naturally at a deadlock,

Yet it is necessary, this question, for we ail know from unfortunate experience in our own households, how very inopportune can be the advent of an outsider in the =>ick room, and indeed how very detrimental to the patient. Taken as a broad rule, the less the cairn monotony of the sufferer's environment is varied the bettor; at all events during serious illness, for there is hardly a doubt that the agitation constquent on change of any sort is harmful. But when convalescence is securely reached, returning strength of body induces activity of mind and demands new food for thought, then comes.the advantageous moment for the enlivening presence of a visitor. Further, by the time that stage of recovery is reached, it is more than likely that the home circle, in spite of halfhearted, protests to the contrary, is thoroughly tired out with the unaccustomed fatigue of acting as nurse, and is consequently glad to relit quish for a while close attendance on the invalid. The really helpful visitor will remember this aspect of the esse, and in order to make it gently evident, will consult the family as to most convenient hour of arrival, throwing in some remark to underline the fact that the patient may safely be left in her entire charge for the time being. The most annoying, and the moat general, habit of the would-be sympathetic when visiting the sick, is the asking of unnecessary qnestings. ' Are you feeling better? Is your medicine very nastyP and such like demands exasperating to the sufferer, and equally tiresome to the curse. 'Shall I make up your pillow,' or ' Would you like me to sponge your face' are suggestions that are nothing short of impertinence when uttered by the caller, since they imply neglect of duty on the part of the anxious attendant. It is the tactful woman who shines in a sick room, and she knows instinctively what to avoid. For instance, she never m are anything that makes a noise. Bustling silk skirtß, and jangling ornaments are always rigorouely shunned; and nothing in the way of perfume is included in her toilette when preparing to visit the sick. She knows, too, that although some fresh flowers would be a pleasant gift, they would not be really advisable until convalescence is sure; and then they should be, preferably, with much scent. To please the nurse as well as her charge, it is well to seleot a pot of flowering blossoms rather than cut flowers, since that requires so much less care and gives more lasting pleasure. Some physicians forbid flowers entirely, lor insist on the vases being emptied and 'washed out every day, a process which 1b somewhat trying to the lasting, powers of the blossoms—though of course fresh water about twice a week is advisable; and the banishment! of everything of the soit during the night is absolutely essential to the refreshment of the sleeper. There 1b a rather serious stumblingblock in the path of the successful caller on the convalescent, in the matter of suitable topics of conversation! So many things that may be said with perfect safety to a person in full health would be very detrimental to one only just regaining strength.