AIBU to visit a colleague outside of work?

[whattodowiththepoo]

Name changed and pretty sure I didn't do anything wrong, I'm definitely not in any trouble just wondering about opinions.

My assistant has been off work for 3 days sick, one morning I had a cancelled appointment and was very close to her house so I tried calling to see if I could stop by and say hello.
She didn't answer but we have a good relationship so I picked up some food and took it to her house, she is really poorly but seemed happy to see me and was happy about the food and thanked me.
But, her mother is visiting her and made it very clear she thinks I should not be visiting her daughter outside of work because it's inappropriate.
Exactly how inappropriate do you think it is?

I think it's overstepping the mark. I wouldn't want someone from work turning up unannounced (or at all) when I was feeling well, let alone ill. This would definitely apply even if I got on well with them.

seemed happy to see me and was happy about the food and thanked me

Yes, but that's just the polite thing to do.

Its this weird mn thing that its a real no no to be friends with your colleagues.

You are suppose to gasp in horror at the thought of socialising outside of work and the thought of a work night out makes you feel faint and you'll use every excuse to get out of it.

I met two of my best friends from working with them.

She was definitely ignoring your call.

How do you know she was definitely ignoring the OPs call?

The only way you could definitely know that is if you are the sick colleague.

Otherwise you shouldn't be stating opinions as facts.

There are sometimes when despite a friendship, professionalism needs to take over. I wouldn't have been happy if I were her.

*How do you know she was definitely ignoring the OPs call?

The only way you could definitely know that is if you are the sick colleague.

Otherwise you shouldn't be stating opinions as facts.*

Apologies, I thought we were all adults here and could therefore deduce for ourselves that as I'm an outsider to the situation, there was a good chance that my statement was a strongly held opinion rather than a fact that I have the CCTV to prove

Having managed a team and planned/attended quite a few home visits I'd be very reluctant to engage with a sick employee, friend or not. There should be a consultation with hr and a senior manager regarding when and what should be said beforehand. Not adhering to employment law can open up all sorts of possibilities. Should the employee ever wish to take the employer through the tribunal process, this episode could be viewed unfavourably and land you in hot water. Or they could use it as part of a victimisation claim if you ever end up banging horns. Any competent hr manager would advise to stay away.

Sorry. Not advise. Instruct.

*Its this weird mn thing that its a real no no to be friends with your colleagues.

You are suppose to gasp in horror at the thought of socialising outside of work and the thought of a work night out makes you feel faint and you'll use every excuse to get out of it*

Weird. Never seen people gasping, fainting or being horrified at this on mn, nor on this thread. Loads of people have said that they're friends with colleagues.

That's simply not the issue here.

My manager might do this. She is lovely person and I wouldn't mind

Well as others have said. Are you friends. If so then. I suppose in general. It's a nice thought.
However if you're just work mate acquaintances, then to me it could be seen as checking up, and no likes being spyed on.