“The reason why we’re able to provide as many services as we do is because of wonderful volunteers,” LuAnn Lundquist, Memory Matters Utah founder and executive director said. “Some people volunteer five hours, one day a week, some volunteer one hour and do an activity with our clients. Or some do one hour a week, and then others volunteer two or three days a week.”

Lundquist said more volunteers are needed to expand the telephone reassurance program. The program is called Good Morning Sunshine and checks on vulnerable seniors. 

“We just had an experience with one of our ladies that lives alone. She fell and broke her leg and couldn’t get to the phone,” Lundquist said. “She has no family around, so she would have laid there and might have passed away if she had gone through the night that way.”

A caller from the telephone reassurance program responded when the lady didn’t answer after three telephone rings. The caller reached out to the lady’s emergency contact, who went over to the lady’s home, found her on the floor and got her to the hospital, Lundquist said.

Memory Matters Utah works with the Area Agency on Aging Five County Associations of Government  to service people aged 55 plus who live alone and do not have a support system, and who may have memory loss problems. The person designates a neighbor or someone to have a key to their house. They will be checked on if they don’t answer after three rings.

Then if the designated person is not able to be contacted, the police department or the sheriff’s department may be requested to do a wellness check.

The nonprofit would like to increase is its office space for more adult daycare services. But funds are needed for the expansion. Lundquist said that donations are accepted online or in-person at their offices. 

“We actually need more square footage in order to expand. And we’d like to be able to accept Medicaid,” Lundquist said. “We’d also like to be able to provide adult daycare to veterans and the Veteran’s Administration says we can’t right now because of the square footage requirements.”

According to the organization’s website, “With the help of volunteers and the generous support of donors, we are able to walk alongside those who are navigating the difficult path of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and caregiving.”

Jenny Jones, the president of the executive board, said that expanding  adult daycare is a top priority. The adult daycare that Memory Care Utah offers is a valuable resource for the community to help relieve the strain on caregivers, she said.

Jones said the organization hopes to expand to help those who may not have as much money and resources for their loved one who has memory problems.

“We’re targeting those who don’t have as much money and resources and allowing their caregiver to go to the grocery store or have four hours to themselves,” she said.

Their loved one will be cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. Having extra space at their location would allow more people to receive care, she said.

Caregivers can contact Memory Matters Utah for free support and information. There are support groups and one-on-one caregiver consultation available. According to their website, the organization also provides resources in the community for caregivers.

Another way people can volunteer is through music. Community members can come in and play the piano or the guitar. Jones said that the people enjoy singing songs that they used to love to sing when they were young.