Like so many young volunteers in our network, Anmary Thomas started to give her time and support as a means to explore a possible career, and discovered that there were many other lessons to learn. The 19-year-old is considering a career in nursing, partially inspired by her mother, Rosily Kochuvareed, who’s the Care Team Manager at Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home in Ste. Rose du Lac, where Thomas volunteers.
“I was very much interested in knowing how people live in personal care homes,” the soft-spoken young woman shares. “I wanted to spend time with older people, to experience that, and it has been so good. I’m happy to be there and spend time with them, and they’re happy to have company as well! At the end of the day, we all need someone to hear us. I love the one-on-one time I have with residents, where I get to talk to them, and make them smile.”
While Thomas sometimes sings with residents during her visits, she quickly recognized that the biggest need was simply a listening ear. “I do think that people in personal care homes are a bit lonely, despite everyone staff giving 100% to help them feel at home,” she continues. “So we try to get people talk, especially the ones who don’t have a lot of visitors. They tell me about their past, when they were in school, or when their kids were small. I love listening to them, and I always learn something.”
One of the biggest lessons Thomas has gleaned is that in personal care home environments, everyone has an important role to play. “The thing I love most about being here is that staff know everyone, never mind if they work in laundry or housekeeping, they all know every resident by name. I see them approaching residents with care, compassion and love, and it makes me feel welcome, too. It’s so sweet to spend time here.”
Her time volunteering has solidified her interest in nursing, and Thomas is grateful to have the option of getting her post-secondary education without having to leave her community. She lives in Dauphin with her family and has her eye on an upcoming intake at Assiniboine College’s Parkland campus. “It’s my main goal right now, to get into college and get an education, but also stay close to home,” she shares. “I think this experience has made me want to be a nurse even more. I feel more sure about my direction.”
While some residents have dementia or other memory issues, Thomas says a little patience goes a long way when it comes to visiting. “There is one resident in particular, that every time I enter her room, she tells me that my smile is so beautiful,” she explains with a laugh. “She says it again ten minutes later. And usually again. She’s so sweet, and so what if she repeats herself? Volunteering like this is about meeting people halfway and being curious about them.”
When asked about the best part of volunteering, Thomas doesn’t hesitate. “I have learned that small gestures can have a huge impact,” she confirms. “Holding a hand, listening, smiling, these acts are powerful and unforgettable. The residents are always a little sad when I go home and so am I. Deciding to volunteer was a really good choice I made, and I’m so happy I get to be a part of the Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home team.”