I have never gotten used to the look of astonished disappointment in my dog, Morris’ face as I grab my travel-worn suitcase down from the shelf for another round of TSA tango, bad airline coffee, and hotels which range from terrific to uncertain as to when the room was last cleaned. Morris has even given up trying to jump into the suitcase since he long ago learned that he isn’t going anywhere.

On the other hand, I am quite convinced that although my frequent trips may consist of indeterminate challenges, the destination is always filled with wonder and learning from the experts who reside throughout this great land.  Of course, the experts I refer to are the family caregivers.  This is true whether I am spending the day at one of our Fearless Caregiver Conferences or attending any other conference concerned with caregiving to which I am lucky enough to be invited.   It’s true that I have met some incredible professionals and advocates at national healthcare events, but I am never as overwhelmingly impressed with the depth of wisdom shared as when I am able to spend the day with family caregivers.

Where else can you find a room of caregivers offering advice when a young man shares concern about his mother’s driving?

Where else can you see people hugging strangers and creating local support networks on the spot?

Where else can a grandparent caregiver offer the one piece of the puzzle that an adult son was missing in order to better communicate with his dad living with Alzheimer’s disease?

Only in a room filled with the real healthcare decision makers—family caregivers.
And with the promise of a dog toy at the end of my trip, even Morris understands.

See you on the road !

 

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