Volunteers make a difference...
Amy Lamoreaux
first came to BOGADS almost 4 years ago to support her sister, whose husband had Alzheimer’s. Her sister needed a lot of help and Amy was humbled by how brutal this disease is on the caretaker. Six months after her brother-in-law passed, Amy came back to BOGADS. She had witnessed the value that the caretakers received and wanted to give back. She came to play games because she loves people and hearing their stories.
Amy discovered the value of music to people with dementia. This caused her to pick up her guitar, having not played in public in 20 years, and play for the guests. Coming from a very musical family, she was familiar with the types of music that the guests like. Now she has a repertoire of 120 songs and takes requests from guests for other songs they would like to hear. Amy also provides a musical exercise program.
Her experiences have inspired her sons to practice their guitars more. One has already joined her in providing entertainment and her other son will join them later this year.
“I get so much joy and laugh harder here, then anywhere else.” A special memory of Amy’s is of a man who didn’t talk to her for the first year that she volunteered. Then, one day when she walked in, he broke his silence and said “Hello Amy, are you here to play your guitar?” When she started to play, he recognized the song and sang along to every word.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please contact Katie at 517-545-5944.
