Gilded Age Sickroom Do’s & Don’ts

Don't Whisper – A whisper will often wake a light sleeper, when an ordinary voice would not. Don't Sniff or Sigh – Sniffs and sighs may better be indulged in the open air where a gust of wind can blow them away. – Late 19th C. Medicinal spoons, including a half-teaspoon.

• Don't Tiptoe – A tiptoe will sometimes cause more disturbance than a carefully, squarely placed footfall.
• Don't Whisper – A whisper will often wake a light sleeper, when an ordinary voice would not.
• Don't Sniff or Sigh – Sniffs and sighs may better be indulged in the open air where a gust of wind can blow them away.
• Don't Handle Rattling Papers – The folding and unfolding of papers that “rattle” is well calculated to “rattle” invalids, to say nothing of those who are strong and well.
• Don't Shout, or allow the voice to be keyed on a high note – Shouting may be a necessity in connection with the treatment of “beasts of burden,” but should be counted a luxury for indulgence only indoors, when conversing with those who are “deaf as a post.”
• When hot applications are ordered, let them be hot, not warm.
• Put your piety into your nursing, as well as into your prayers.
• Smooth off, with a fine file, the rough end of the glass drinking tube.
• Let no drinks be brought in large tumblers or glasses; little ones are far more acceptable.
• Use finest old linen, if linen at all, for bathing the mouth and lips; nothing else makes them so grateful.
• Make the most of the privilege of being near the suffering mortal who longs for your presence.
• Raise the invalid's head by putting your hand under the upper pillow, and, with as much firmness as possible, lifting it. – Good Housekeeping, 1892

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