Author: Dr Monika (HOD Occupational Therapy and Joint Head Administration, NRF) | 7th March, 2026
What do a bus depot, railway platform, airport terminal, hotel, school or hospital have in common? That’s right, it is the WAITING ROOM.
Have you ever sat or stood in the corner of a waiting room and observed the people? Have you entered a waiting room and suddenly felt the room turning quiet q? Or maybe nothing changed. no one even noticed you?
As Occupational Therapists, we have a huge association with waiting rooms. Because that is where the loved ones of our little children or adult patients (including the elderly) wait patiently while professionals like us do our duty of (re) habilitating them.
The waiting room has to be a comfortable and cozy spot. Ideally, there should be a book shelf with magazines and newspapers, so that the caretakers can quickly scan headlines or catch up with the ‘goings on’ nationally and internationally. Maybe a few books with short stories. Nothing elaborates, just simple, engaging reading material.
A TV tuned into a news channel or featuring educational videos. Light music in the background, preferably instrumental. Water / coffee / tea dispenser, is a must to calm their nerves besides also being able to stay alert. And, not to forget – a WIFI connection with a free password.
Decent room lighting with cross ventilation, soft hues of paint on the walls, a minimalistic décor, clean washroom, a few potted plants – yes, our Waiting Room is all set.
For some of our parents/caregivers, a quick snooze never did any harm! For most, it is time to catch up on a little work or chit-chat with the other parents/ caregivers while they wait. Let me tell you, I have been privy to many waiting room conversations and the gossip can range from malicious to downright entertaining. Emotional upheavals are common; laughter ringing, tears flowing, outbursts of anger and frustration. I have seen it all happening – in the waiting room.
Waiting rooms are also anxious moments for a few, especially those families who are still navigating the course of their loved one’s uncertain journey.
Gradually, over time familiarity sets in. Regular parents/ caregivers start acknowledging each other’s presence. A smile, a nod goes a long way in breaking the ice. The role of the OT in facilitating conversations between parents/ caregivers is crucial. Introductions can pave the way for more open discussions and sharing of hopes, aspirations, fears, even information towards future planning.
The Waiting Room over time, thus transforms into a space where human beings connect to turn challenges into opportunities, fears into hope or simply to just REST, RE-ENERGISE AND RE-ENGAGE till their WAIT is over! It is the only room that encourages you to slow down, not out of choice but, out of compulsion. And sometimes that’s as good as it can get.