We have been able to configure our house so that the guests come in to the foyer and straight up the stairs to the Guest Quarters. The foyer doors to our area are locked with a sign on them that says "Private Residence. Please call or text our cell if you need anything. Please do not ring doorbell to summon the innkeeper as we may be on another part of the property". Still, once in a while people will knock, call out in the foyer disturbing the other guests!
We keep to the "five minute rule" while talking with guests or answering requests. Do not sit down with guests unless you feel very comfortable socializing, stay on your feet, and make an excuse to leave after you see they have all the information and everything they need. Sometimes a person will say, something like "I've just come off chemotherapy" - and I will say, "I'm so glad you're here, please let us know if you need anything." And once in awhile, if the signals are comfortable, I will say - "can I give you a hug?".