April Caregiver of the Month, Dianne Petty
April 6th-12th was National Volunteer Week! This month we have a very special Caregiver of the Month. Dianne Petty, April Caregiver of the Month, is a volunteer senior companion through the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ Senior Companion Program. Dianne has been a Senior Companion for three years with the Archdiocese. She became involved when a friend told her about the program. Dianne had recently stopped working and was looking for something to do that would allow her to help others.
Dianne’s job as a Senior Companion vary depending on her clients. Her main duty is to spend time with them and assist them with any tasks around the house that they may have. The program requires 20 hours a week per volunteer, however, Dianna often goes above and beyond for her “clients” who are much more like friends and family.
Dianne’s first companion, Mr. Warner, was an older man who had cancer. He was a very worldly, intellectual person who has been a pilot in the service. Dianne recalls that he was a bit intimidating in their assessment meeting to see if she would be a good fit. She wasn’t sure about the pairing but decided to give it a try and is she every glad she did. She and Mr. Warner became wonderful friends. Dianne fondly remembers their interest in different cultures. They both enjoyed visiting ethnic restaurants and trying different foods. Dianne was a companion to Mr. Warner for 2 years before he passed away from cancer. Dianne cherishes her time getting to know Mr. Warner. She even attended his funeral in Gary, Indiana and was asked to speak at his funeral by his family.
Dianne now has two current companions. One is a Jamaican woman who is living with Alzheimer’s Disease.
“She helps me as much as I help her,” says Dianne.
Although her client has Alzheimer’s, Dianne says she is doing exceptionally well and even remembers things Dianne forgets! Dianne describes her method of companionship with her client as “coaching.” Her client was very adamant that she simply had things she enjoyed doing and was going to do them. So rather than not allowing her the freedom to do them or doing things for her, Dianne just helps. Gardening was always very important to the woman so Dianne helps her plant flowers. Last year their tomato plants were bigger than both of them!
Another technique Dianne uses to “coach” her client is her dialogue. Being Jamaican, her client is sometimes difficult to understand and sometimes has difficulty understanding her. Dianne had a friend who was from Jamaica and taught her the Jamaican dialect. Dianne uses this when speaking to her client. It helps them both understand each other a little better and also makes her client more comfortable.
Household tasks are another major part of Dianne’s job and maybe the most important. Helping clients with simple tasks like taking their medications and helping them with cooking allows them to stay in their homes.
Dianne’s other client is legally blind and suffering from Diabetes. Dianne helps her go grocery shopping and they also enjoy going out to eat at MCL. Dianne visits with her providing companionship and also assistance with her medication.
There is no doubt about it that caregiving is what Dianne was meant to do! When asked what she was planning to do with her gift card she said she is hoping to take her sister out to dinner. Thank you so much, Dianne! You are an inspiration to us all!
Nominate someone you know for our Caregiver Award.
