My mother died last week. The last time I saw her she wasn't well at all, but kissed my hand when I held hers. The time before I gave her a hug when I left and said 'I love you, mum'. Although she talked a lot, most of what she said didn't make sense, but that time she said 'I love you too.' I thought as I left that if I didn't see her again that was a good way to say goodbye.
Thinking of you @HartleyHugs, I think what you are doing is exactly the right thing.