Last weekend, as I was returning from a meeting in the northeast, I found myself stranded by the (as the media puts it) BLIZZARD OF THE YEAR, which, to me, seems just a tad presumptive, since it is only three weeks into January.  My cabin row mates, George and Julie Fox, were a middle-aged couple from Pennsylvania, and together we endured a five hour tour of the airport tarmac, with the plane slowly inching towards the de-icing station until the weather became so bad that take-off was no longer an option and we returned to the now-closed airport.

As we took advantage of the waiting time to get to know one another, I was reminded of our regular advice to caregivers, ‘Never miss an opportunity to talk with other caregivers in hospital waiting rooms, doctor’s offices and pharmacy lines and even on airplanes.’  Conversation with the Foxes included George’s challenges with getting his dad to stop driving, Julie’s taking care of George during and after his stroke six years ago at 42 years of age and long term care options for Julie’s mom.

George told me how he succeeded in guiding his extended family into a unified care team by making sure that each member was tasked with handling specific details which took into consideration their abilities and interests. I shared some of the insights on that subject that I’ve learned from caregivers at the Fearless Caregiver Conferences across the country.

When it became clear that we would all be in danger of sleeping at the airport that night, I used my cell phone to find a hotel with rooms in the downtown area and Julie, on her cell, rebooked the three of us for the first flight out on Sunday.  To make a long story (and night) short, we developed (with two of their other friends) the camaraderie and teamwork that is possible for strangers to acquire when faced with emergency situations. Together, we all found rooms and shared stories and cell phones and when we returned to South Florida the next morning, after searching in vain for their bags at the airport, I raced them to the port where they managed to catch their ship for a now much deserved cruise.

The only other times that I remember having this kind of quick and constructive bonding with strangers was as a caregiver, waiting those long nights in the local hospital emergency rooms. Then as now, we shared stories, caregiving tips and made friendships that have lasted for years. In those cold and uncomfortable hospital waiting rooms, I discovered that in any healthcare situation, the best caregiving expertise is available not only from the people in white coats, but also from your fellow caregiver sitting next to you. And who knows, you may even enjoy the wait.    

Dates are still available for the 2005 Fearless Caregiver Conference Tour.  Bring a conference to your community. Contact us for more information.

The deadline has been extended for the third annual Caregiver Friendly Awards. The new deadline is February 28, 2005. 

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com