Q. If women related to a dying father in law, uncle or similar visit him and want to hold his hand to provide much needed support, care and appreciation, is that permitted?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the patient is unconscious, it could be permitted. It is better if the hand is covered by the bed sheet or blanket. See also question 2237
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a