AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Three
Part 3: Watonna Hughes Volunteer Interview
1) What inspired you to become a Senior Companion Volunteer?
When my mother got sick, she had Alzheimer’s. I learned how to deal with Alzheimer’s because I was the one who took care of her. She begged me not to ever let anyone put her in a Nursing Home. I told her I would always take care of you unless we needed to bring in a medical nurse, and we would do that. My dad had leukemia, and he passed away while she had Alzheimer’s. I took care of both of them. It was very hard. I steered away from that for a little bit after they passed because I was devastated.
I met an elderly friend and saw people pushing him around and taking his money. So, I became a friend to him and stopped people from taking his money. He said he has never had a friend who has taken care of me the way you have. And you always treat me with respect. He was my friend for 7 years before he passed away a few months ago. He wrote me a note and said that I was his earth angel. He had never had anyone who cared about him as a person. He had a speech impediment, and people were mean to him. He thought that if he gave people his money, they would be his friends. I told him that friends don’t need his money.
My friend Eileen Davis has been my friend for over 30 years, and she is a Senior Companion Volunteer. She asked me to join the program. I was sitting at a ballgame for my nephew, and she asked if I had ever tried working with the elderly because of my experience. I had a heart attack, so I couldn’t work a full-time job. Eileen talked to me about this program, and I fell in love with it right away!
2) How has being an SCV changed your life or perspective?
My heart is full; it is very rewarding. The things they tell me are something you would hear in a storybook. They have so much love for me, and I have so much love for them. It is hard to lose them because we get so close. They are precious. There are so many who don’t have any family or anyone to love them. I want to be there for them.
3) Can you tell me about one person or moment that has really stayed with you during your time as a volunteer?
Her angel story: I had a client who had Alzheimer’s and was living with her sister. Her sister is now my client and has become one of my best friends ever; she is precious. I was so thankful because when a person has Alzheimer’s, you usually only know who they are in that exact moment.
One day, she came to me and stretched her arms out wide for a hug. But one day, she slowly backed away. The volunteer asked why, and the client said it was because her hair was done differently. They laughed and moved on with the day. She thought she was getting poisoned, even though it was just vitamins, so I pretended to take the medicine with her.
As she got very sick, we called hospice. She looks at me and says, I heard you singing one day. I said, I sing sometimes, I sing in church. She asked if I would sing to her. I said yes and started singing a church song. She started crying tears of joy listening to me sing. She looked at me, looked all around me, and asked if I was an angel. I said I wish I were, but I am not.
She is still looking all around me. I asked what she was seeing. She said there is beauty all around you! I can see them! She was so happy and excited, looking all around me. She sat up on the side of the bed, and the family came by for a sweet moment. She had been bedridden, but she sat up on the bed and said she was okay. She had a burst of energy around the song. She passed away two days later.
After she passed, her sister begged Watonna to stay, so now she is her volunteer. We go and go and go and go, we love to shop and get into town. She loves Ross Dress for Less. We are constantly on the go!!
4) What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming an SCV but isn’t sure yet?
Be kind, be loving, be sweet, and listen to them. They will make your life better! You have to go into their world, and not try to force them into yours. I hope it is as rewarding for you as it is for me.
5) What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work?
When I go into their house, I am met with smiles and hugs! They tell me they love me and appreciate me. I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world. This volunteer position means everything to me! I am so thankful that my family talked to me about volunteering. I love it and the people I volunteer with very much.
6) How do you think the program makes a difference in our community?
Without this program, so many seniors couldn’t get to the store or get a ride anywhere. There is no public transportation here. There would be no way to pay their rent or get their groceries. There is no way they could live at home. Without this program, many seniors would be very lonely. They would not have food or the things they need. This program is very awesome, and I am lucky to be a part of it!
7) Anything else that you would like to add?
I hope that when I get in that position, someone will come help me. My kids will, but I will also need a friend. I hope this program is still around because we need it!
Thank you to the AmeriCorps volunteers for sharing the impact of the AmeriCorps Seniors program with the AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WEST CENTRAL ARKANSAS, INC.