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This week, Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Eric Kolb. Eric, along with his
wife, Cheryl, cared for her mother. It was their love for singing and their
experience with caregiving that prompted them to create ‘Songs and Smiles’, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those with Alzheimer’s to connect
with their joy-filled memories, as well as with their family, friends, and
communities. He provides the following insights on celebrating, connecting, and
applying this during the busy holiday season:

• Fight back with joy by celebrating during the journey. Instead of skipping or canceling, you will be glad if you just make the necessary changes to do it differently.
• Planning helps get everyone on the same page. Ask, “How can we put the loved one and the primary caregiver first?” Then, let the rest of the family adjust.
• Assign a person to the loved one who can make sure that when they need it, they can take a break, have quiet time, go for a walk, or take a nap.
• Consider spreading out activities over several days as much as possible.
• One of the best ways to connect and celebrate is to sing together in groups and one-on-one.
• Do not forget to take pictures as you create new memories!
• Schedule phone calls with family as the loved one may recognize voices long after they can recognize faces. 
• Have family members send cards sharing memories that include the loved one.
• During this busy time, it is even more important to embrace the moment, celebrate, and connect with your loved one. Be sure they are on the To-Do List and that they stay a priority.