Elevate Eldercare
Let’s Elevate Eldercare Together! Every great eldercare community has a unique story, and there are many paths toward providing high-quality, person-directed services and supports for older adults. That’s why we launched Elevate Eldercare—to bring together thought leaders, activists, and advocates in the field of aging services and give them a space where thoughtful discourse and diverse perspectives flow freely. Join Susan Ryan, CEO of AgingIN (formerly Center for Innovation), every Wednesday for enlightening, provocative, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Together, the hosts and guests explore opportunities and challenges in person-directed living and empowered cultures in the community of one's choice.
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Leading with Purpose and Innovation
09/10/2025
Leading with Purpose and Innovation
In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes back Rob Liebreich, president and CEO of Goodwin Living, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of eldercare. Rob reflects on his 23-year journey in aging services, inspired by his grandmother’s experience, and shares how that personal connection continues to guide his mission. He recounts the challenges of leading Goodwin Living through COVID-19 and highlights the strength of a workforce in which 40 percent are immigrants. Together, Susan and Rob explore the growth of Goodwin Living, serving 4,000 older adults and supporting 1,500 team members; expansion projects; innovative initiatives, such as the Stronger Memory program; the role of the Goodwin Living Foundation; and the urgent need for immigration reform to address the growing demand for eldercare workers. Rob lays out his vision: expanding services and housing, strengthening brain health and anti-loneliness initiatives, and growing the foundation to better serve older adults and caregivers alike. Explore the Goodwin Foundation here:
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The Future of Resident Engagement and Connection
09/03/2025
The Future of Resident Engagement and Connection
In this episode, Charles DeVilmorin, co-founder of Linked Senior and now part of LifeLoop, joins AgingINSM CEO Susan Ryan to share his journey into eldercare and the passion that drives his work in resident engagement. Charles began his path with a thesis on nursing home environments that revealed the devastating effects of isolation and boredom on residents. That eye-opening experience led him to create LinkedSenior, a technology platform designed to foster connection, purpose, and dignity for older adults. He discusses the challenges of segregation in eldercare, the critical importance of social connection, and the entrepreneurial journey that led to the merger of LinkedSenior with LifeLoop—bringing together the strengths of two leading platforms to create a comprehensive solution for resident engagement. Susan and Charles explore the transformative power of person-centered care, the dangers of chemical restraints, and the vital role of activity professionals in bringing meaning and joy to residents’ lives. He also reflects on the impact of the #ActivitiesStrong initiative, which offered free education and support to thousands of activity directors during a time of great need. Looking ahead, Charles shares his vision for a future where senior living communities are affordable, desirable, and deeply human-centered—places where freedom, connection, and dignity are the standard, not the exception. Explore the #ActivitiesStrong platform here:
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Advocacy and Innovation: A Vision for Aging Services
08/27/2025
Advocacy and Innovation: A Vision for Aging Services
In today’s episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Deke Cateau, CEO of A.G. Rhodes, a nonprofit nursing and rehabilitation organization in metro Atlanta. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Deke’s path to long-term care was sparked by his wife’s encouragement and is sustained by his deep belief in the power of family and person-centered care. Deke offers a behind-the-scenes look at A.G. Rhodes, which serves 1,300 eldersannually. Listeners will learn about A.G. Rhodes’ innovative programs, including its small house model—designed to create intimate, elder-centered living environments—and its intergenerational initiatives that bring older and younger generations together in meaningful ways. Deke also highlights AG Rhodes’ successful staffing agency, which ensures consistent, quality care, and ongoing research collaborations with Georgia State and Georgia Tech exploring the impact of music and horticultural therapy on resident wellbeing. The conversation digs into pressing policy and funding issues, including the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts on long-term care providers. Deke urges policymakers to reimagine Medicaid reimbursement structures, tying payments to quality outcomes rather than physical facilities. Looking ahead, Deke envisions eldercare that is fully integrated into the fabric of communities—much like childcare or schools—where intergenerational programs, dementia-friendly communities, and the longevity economy take center stage. His message is both practical and inspiring: we must all prepare for our own futures by engaging in advocacy, supporting innovation, and reframing how society values and supports older adults. Learn more about A.G. Rhodes here:
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Dignity in Aging Through Policy Innovation, Community Engagement, and Collective Advocacy
08/20/2025
Dignity in Aging Through Policy Innovation, Community Engagement, and Collective Advocacy
In today’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Ben Veghte, director the WA Cares Fund, a state-run entity that provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available to eligible individuals. when they need them. Ben shares his inspiring journey from studying capitalism and social justice in Germany to directing the Fund. He and Susan explore why integrating housing, healthcare, and community is essential for aging with dignity, and he highlights the influence of the Dutch model—which prioritizes person-centered care, affordable housing, and strong community supports. As a first-of-its-kind program, the WA Cares Fund will provide $36,500 toward long-term care needs, offering a critical resource for families navigating aging and caregiving. Veghte emphasizes the need for multi-sector planning and grassroots involvement to meet the challenges of the coming age wave. His message is clear: preparing for the future of long-term care requires policy innovation, community engagement, and collective advocacy. More information about the Fund here:
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AgingIN: From Rebrand to Renewed Purpose in Person-Directed Living
08/13/2025
AgingIN: From Rebrand to Renewed Purpose in Person-Directed Living
This podcast’s producer, Center or Innovation, now has a new name: AgingIN. With a mission to be the catalyst for person-directed living and empowered cultures in the community of one’s choice, AgingIN’s rebrand and new strategic direction was ushered in through a partnership with 3rd3rd Marketing, a marketing firm that specializes in senior living. In today’s episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Cynthia Thurlow, founder of 3rd3rd. Inspired by personal experiences with her grandmother and father, Cynthia’s journey into eldercare is deeply rooted in empathy, innovation, and a passion for improving lives. Cynthia shares how 3rd3rd blends creative marketing strategies with radical transparency to help senior living organizations stand out and stay true to their mission. She takes us behind the scenes of the agency’s recent collaboration with AgingIN, a rebrand that champions person-directed living, fresh insights, and consulting designed to elevate care. From the origin of its name to the power of custom photography and explainer videos, Cynthia examines how marketing can drive real change in eldercare. She also paints a hopeful vision for the future—one of intergenerational communities, a focus on healthspan over lifespan, and senior living investments that directly improve the lives of older adults and care teams. More information about 3rd3rd here:
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Elder Awesome: Barry Barkan on Saging, Sufficiency, and the Power of Paradigm Shifts
08/06/2025
Elder Awesome: Barry Barkan on Saging, Sufficiency, and the Power of Paradigm Shifts
Host Susan Ryan sits down with visionary eldercare advocate and Pioneer Network co-founder Barry Barkan for a profound conversation on reimagining aging and the transformative potential of community, spirit, and consciousness. Barkan shares his journey from founding the Live Oak Institute to helping launch the Pioneer Network, driven by a belief that aging is not a problem to solve but a gift to elevate. He recounts his efforts to create a regenerative, inclusive community at the Jewish Home in Oakland—an idea that initially faced rejection but ultimately gained momentum and global influence, including a successful expansion into 15 homes in Israel. But this conversation goes beyond history. Barry offers a deeply reflective vision for a paradigm shift—a movement from a worldview rooted in domination and separation to one grounded in interconnection, kindness, and sufficiency. He challenges listeners to see humanity as one living being, where every person and every creature matters. Together, Susan and Barry explore the concept of “Elder Awesome” and moving beyond traditional notions of “elder care.” They also discuss the “Tao of Blessings”—a personal path to leave grace in every encounter Barkan offers his vision for communities and care environments rooted in equity, dignity, and accountability.
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Intergenerational Connections Through Education and Collaboration
07/30/2025
Intergenerational Connections Through Education and Collaboration
In this insightful conversation, host Susan Ryan sits down with senior living innovator Andy Carle, consultant and founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com. Andy shares his personal journey into eldercare and the bold moves he’s made to elevate the field, from founding a 70-community company to creating the first university-level curriculum for senior living executives. Andy also dives into the concept of “nana technology”—his term for tech that supports aging with dignity—and explores the rise of University Retirement Communities (URCs), a model that merges lifelong learning with purposeful aging. He outlines the five essential criteria for certification and shares how URCs foster mutual benefit for both older adults and students through intergenerational connection, shared resources, and collaborative programming. This episode takes a deep dive into what’s possible when we stop settling for outdated models and start designing for a future that values older adults as engaged, capable, and vital members of society. More information about URCs here:
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Eldercare Innovation Through Community, Design, and Determination
07/23/2025
Eldercare Innovation Through Community, Design, and Determination
In this inspiring conversation, architect and eldercare innovator Jane Rohde shares her lifelong passion for community development and the power of person-centered care. From her early days with Erickson Retirement Communities to founding JSR Associates and the nonprofit Live Together, Jane has remained committed to transforming aging services through relationship-based, sustainable models. Susan Ryan sits down with Jane to discuss her experience working with The Green House Project and designing care systems in the U.S. and China. She also shares her vision for the future—leveraging AI and grassroots partnerships to create scalable, intergenerational communities that support vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas. Visit Live Together to learn more or explore ways to get involved:
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Exploring a Life of Service and Spirit
07/16/2025
Exploring a Life of Service and Spirit
In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Susan Ryan welcomes 99-year-old Peg McLaughlin and her daughter Marguerite for a moving conversation about Peg’s extraordinary life. A lifelong nurse, mother of five, and dedicated community volunteer, Peg shares stories from her upbringing in Providence, R.I., her career in obstetrics and pediatrics, and decades of service to others—whether through scouting, church ministries, or her local food bank. Now living in assisted living after having given up driving at age 98, Peg reflects on adjusting to a new chapter of life, maintaining her faith and independence, and finding purpose through connection, compassion, and resilience. Margie offers loving insights into her mother’s unwavering generosity and quiet impact on those around her. Some of Peg’s words of wisdom: • Service doesn’t end with age—it evolves. • Maintaining social connection and purpose is key to aging well. • Faith, humor, and a giving heart sustain a life of longevity. Together, their reflections offer a beautiful portrait of aging, humor, and heart.
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Well-Being as a Framework: Rethinking Communities of Care
07/09/2025
Well-Being as a Framework: Rethinking Communities of Care
In this episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Rachel Broudy, MD, a passionate physician, innovator, and advocate for transforming eldercare. Her extensive experience includes serving as medical director at two PACE programs and currently as medical director of Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care and eldercare faculty at Ariadne Labs. This episode explores Dr. Broudy’s journey into aging services and her groundbreaking work at Ariadne Labs, where she led the creation of a well-being framework and conversation guide for nursing homes. Developed through Ariadne's Innovation Arc process—research, design, test, and spread—this four-year project culminated in a pilot at two Mississippi nursing homes. The result? A practical, scalable toolkit that empowers staff and centers care on purpose, connection, and meaning. Dr. Broudy also shares her work on the Living Well with Dementia Toolkit, which redefines dementia care as an adaptive, relational journey. The toolkit includes conversation and emotion cards that help families and caregivers explore emotions, relationships, and identity—helping shift how we understand and support those living with dementia. If you're looking for inspiring ideas and practical tools to shift the culture of aging and long-term care, this episode is a must-listen. Some links of interest: Ariadne Labs Innovation Arc: Ariadne Labs Well-being Framework & Conversation Guide: Ariadne Labs Living Well with Dementia Toolkit:
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A Nurse’s Eye, a Leader’s Heart: Episode 300 with Jennie Chin Hansen
07/02/2025
A Nurse’s Eye, a Leader’s Heart: Episode 300 with Jennie Chin Hansen
There are few people who have the depth and breadth of knowledge about long-term services and supports than Jennie Chin Hansen, who we are honored to have as the 300th guest on today’s episode. With a rich background in nursing and a penchant for solving problems, Hansen’s career spans decades of leading top healthcare organizations such as the American Geriatrics Society, AARP, and On Lok, which is the flagship/prototype for what is now known as People for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). She currently serves on the boards of the Medicare Advantage SCAN Health Plan and HelpAge USA. In 2019, she helped to craft the California Masterplan for Aging, now in implementation. For this week’s episode, Hansen sits down with Susan Ryan to discuss how her childhood experience as an Asian girl living in Boston shaped her career choices. She also discusses her desire to see more upstream work that focuses getting “people prepared for their own aging changes.” Finally, Hansen shares her vision for what she believes will help to not only “hold the line,” but also move it with regard to ensuring economic security for older Americans. Among Hansen’s many awards are the American Academy of Nursing’s Health Care Leader Award, American Society on Aging’s Hall of Fame Award, and the National Council on Aging’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2024, she received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Harvard University at its commencement ceremony in May of 2024. Here is video of highlights from that event: .
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Trailblazers in Eldercare Mobilize the Movement
06/25/2025
Trailblazers in Eldercare Mobilize the Movement
Susan Ryan welcomes three trailblazers in the eldercare culture change movement to this week’s episode: Joanne Rader, Charlene Boyd, and Rose Marie Fagan. Each guest has a distinct and storied history within the culture change movement, and each has taken an interesting and unique journey built on their pioneering experiences. Joanne Rader recounts her shift from rehab nursing to transforming geriatric mental health—moving away from restraints and toward truly personcentered care. Charlene Boyd shares how she led organizational change in longterm care settings, dismantling outdated practices to put residents first. Rose Marie Fagan reflects on her journey from teaching to eldercare advocacy, culminating in the formation of the national Pioneer Network. Together, they explore past challenges, celebrate hardwon successes, and cast a vision for continued communitydriven reform. Collectively, they recount the wins they have accomplished along the in transforming eldercare and improving quality, including the following: eliminating restraints and realityorientation protocols transforms quality of life; perspective shifts that views elders as full participants, not passive recipients in their care; the creation of grassroots forums and persistent advocacy that gave birth to the Pioneer Network and a national movement; and change that now demands risktaking, intergenerational partnerships, and amplifying elders’ voices. In addition, they discuss their work in making “good trouble” that champions bold, disruptive ideas that advance personcentered care. Their call to action is to join them at the Center for Innovation conference this Aug. 11 to 14 in St. Louis, Mo. Don’t miss the preconference session featuring Boyd, Rader, and Fagan, as well as many other pioneers who continue to mobilize the culturechange movement: .
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Building Digital Equity In a Tech-Focused World
06/18/2025
Building Digital Equity In a Tech-Focused World
In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, Susan Ryan welcomes Mario Rubano, a passionate advocate for older adults. Mario shares his remarkable journey from a childhood steeped in intergenerational connection to a career that spans music therapy, public health, and systems change in aging services. In his role as Regional Program Manager at OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) from AARP, Mario is focused on transforming how older adults engage with technology. OATS now has more than 500 partner sites in 37 states through its Senior Planet programming, which seeks to empower older adults to achieve meaningful change in areas like financial security, social connection, creative expression, health, and civic engagement. In addition to diving into the operations and scale of OATs, Mario shares his vision for a future where older adults are not only tech-savvy but leaders in shaping how technology is used to promote connection, health, and purpose. He closes with a call to action: explore Senior Planet programs, take a free class, and spread the word about OATS's mission to close the digital divide. For more information: OATS from AARP: Senior Planet Licensing: Tech Resources for Caregivers:
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The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference Preview
06/11/2025
The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference Preview
The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference registration has launched! And in today’s episode, Susan Ryan talks with Joan Divine and Marla DeVries about what’s in store for this auspicious event, scheduled for August 11 to 14 in St. Louis, Missouri. Hosted by The Green House Project and Pioneer Network, this event marks a significant gathering for those committed to transforming eldercare. In addition to a discussion about the theme of “Mobilize the Movement,” some episode highlights include the following: • An exploration of the legacy of the Pioneer Network and its pivotal role in advocating for person-centered care and culture change in eldercare settings. • A look at the opening keynote speaker, Bob Chapman, including insights into his philosophy of “Truly Human Leadership.” • A discussion about the Tech Innovation Summit and Coaching Boot Camps, both designed to equip attendees with cutting-edge tools and leadership skills. • A review of the opportunities for hands-on learning and connecting with professionals dedicated to eldercare innovation. • Site visits that enable attendees to experience, firsthand, the innovative care models at Green House Cottages and Dolan Memory Care Homes, exemplifying non-institutional, person-directed care environments. Link to conference website : Link to conference agenda: Link to conference registration:
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A Legacy of Care and Innovation
05/28/2025
A Legacy of Care and Innovation
In this week’s episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Dr. Carol McKinley, president and CEO of Simpson, a senior living community in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Carol shares her journey of more than 35 years in eldercare, and how early interactions with her grandmother and father's ministry work inspired her career in social work and geriatrics. In addition to emphasizing the importance of listening to older adults and integrating their needs into care plans, Carol discussed future advancements in home-based technology to support aging in place and reducing workforce strain. Carol urged embracing technology and innovation to enhance caregiving, and Simpson’s use of the innovative Amba program to monitor residents' wellness and improve care efficiency. Find more details about Simpson here:
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Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose
05/21/2025
Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose
Inspiration comes in many forms, but in the field of aging services it appears that it most often comes from one’s own experience with a loved one. Case in point: Jennifer Baker, policy director at the Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition, whose motivation to work in eldercare comes from early exposure to her great aunt and grandmother, both of whom had Alzheimer's disease. Susan Ryan sits down with Baker for today’s episode to discuss her career journey,which included a pivotal fellowship that enabled her to live in an Alzheimer's home in South Africa. This, she says, shifted her perspective from viewing patients as victims to valuing their personhood. Baker also highlights her work on the University of Nevada, Reno Sanford Center for Aging, including launching an AmeriCorps VISTA project and a walking program for people living with dementia. In discussing the challenges of federal funding cuts and the impact on programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities, Baker reflects on the importance of advocating for programs that support community living and the potential consequences of premature nursing home placements. For more information about the Moving Forward Coalition:
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Hand in Hand: Advancing the Movement to Humanize Eldercare
05/14/2025
Hand in Hand: Advancing the Movement to Humanize Eldercare
Bold, visionary leaders are the ones who challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and champion quality of life for older adults. Today’s guest, Karen Schoeneman, is a shining example of that kind of leadership. This week, Susan Ryan sits down with Karen to discuss her many years of work reforming long term care, beginning with her work in social services, where her passion for resident-centered care took root. That passion fueled a remarkable 22-year career at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she specialized in regulatory guidance for quality of life, led survey process improvements, and helped train more than 5,000 surveyors nationwide. As a founding member of the Pioneer Network, Karen helped to grow a national movement dedicated to transforming long-term care. She played a key role in the development of the , a tool used by nursing homes and assisted living communities to assess and enhance person-centered care. Karen’s groundbreaking contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Picker Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award, the ACHCA Public Service Award, and the Pegasus Award for her work as executive producer of the CMS “Hand in Hand” training toolkit. Though officially retired, Karen’s legacy lives on through the countless people and communities she has inspired to embrace person-directed practices. Tune in and be inspired by Karen’s journey, her insights, and her unwavering dedication to culture change in eldercare.
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Creating Compassionate Organizations
05/07/2025
Creating Compassionate Organizations
In this episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Marcus Engel—speaker, educator, and expert in compassion science—whose powerful survival story has become a catalyst for inspiring more humane, connected workplaces. Through his work, Marcus helps organizations foster environments rooted in empathy, connection, and purpose. With a Master’s in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University and a teaching role at the University of Notre Dame, Marcus brings a unique blend of storytelling and science to the conversation. He’s spoken at top healthcare institutions, universities, and even the United Nations in celebration of International Nurses Day. In addition to exploring how Marcus’ personal journey shaped his commitment to compassion, this episode examines what “narrative medicine” is and why it matters in healthcare and beyond, strategies for cultivating compassion in professional settings, and the power of staying connected to mission in high-stress environments. Connect with Marcus Engel here:
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Australia’s First Green House Homes
04/30/2025
Australia’s First Green House Homes
In today’s episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Dan Gordon, Craig Major, and Stephanie Smithson of ACH Group, creators of the first international Green House homes in Adelaide, Australia. Based in South Australia, ACH implemented the Green House model into its newest residential care home, Healthia, in Elizabeth in 2023. Dan, a nurse, and Craig, a healthcare manager, discuss their journeys into eldercare, and their experiences with the Green House model. Stephanie, who has 36 years of experience in eldercare, highlights the benefits of model. The project includes eight individual houses with 12 rooms each, a partnership with the local health network, and a hospital-in-the-home program. The group explains how the homes’ care model has had a powerful impact on the residents as well as the staff. Find more details about ACH’s Green House home, Healthia, here:
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The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference Preview
04/23/2025
The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference Preview
The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference registration has launched! And in today’s episode, Susan Ryan talks with Joan Divine and Marla DeVries about what’s in store for this auspicious evet, scheduled for August 11 to 14 in St. Louis, Missouri. Hosted by The Green House Project and Pioneer Network, this event marks a significant gathering for those committed to transforming eldercare. In addition to a discussion about the theme of “Mobilize the Movement,” some episode highlights include the following: • An exploration of the legacy of the Pioneer Network and its pivotal role in advocating for person-centered care and culture change in eldercare settings. • A look at the opening keynote speaker, Bob Chapman, including insights into his philosophy of “Truly Human Leadership.” • A discussion about the Tech Innovation Summit and Coaching Boot Camps, both designed to equip attendees with cutting-edge tools and leadership skills. • A review of the opportunities for hands-on learning and connecting with professionals dedicated to eldercare innovation. • Site visits that enable attendees to experience, firsthand, the innovative care models at Green House Cottages and Dolan Memory Care Homes, exemplifying non-institutional, person-directed care environments.
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Opportunities Begin with Seeing the Whole Person
04/16/2025
Opportunities Begin with Seeing the Whole Person
Opportunity can come in many shapes and in unexpected places. Today’s guest, Jeff Ash, Ed.D, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., tells a very compelling story about how he was given an opportunity that set the stage for his now-illustrious career. Having had a somewhat circuitous career path as a young academic, Dr. Ash describes how he was given a break because someone saw him as a whole person. Today, with more than 25 years of academia in the University of Maryland system under his belt, Dr. Ash walks the walk when it comes to his philosophy on fair, equitable opportunities and why he is often more impressed with a lower GPA than by a 4.0. His keen insights, wisdom, and guidance in conversation with Susan Ryan in this episode are especially timely and essential. Prioritizing people, no matter their race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or age, is a core tenet of the Center for Innovation as we create communities of belonging, where individuals are seen as whole people with intrinsic worth, and our shared humanity enables all to live, grow, and thrive. Learn more about the CFI’s upcoming conference in St. Louis this August:
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Inside the EINSTEIN Option Summit
03/26/2025
Inside the EINSTEIN Option Summit
Policy experts Joe Angelelli and Anne Montgomery return to the podcast to discuss the recent EINSTEIN Option summit, a gathering of eldercare changemakers dedicated to advancing a comprehensive plan to reimagine the entire care delivery system. In this episode, you’ll learn how the EINSTEIN Option could create full care continuums in communities around the country, with services and supports that meet elders where they are — instead of forcing them into institutional settings that do not meet their needs. Learn more about the EINSTEIN Option, including a recording from the summit: Learn more about the CFI conference in St. Louis this August:
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Sustaining Small Homes for Decades
03/19/2025
Sustaining Small Homes for Decades
Suellen Beatty is a pioneer of person-directed care and small-home living in Canada. During her decades-long career at the Sherbrooke Community Center in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Beatty worked tirelessly to always go above and beyond even the basics of person-directed care practices, building a community where residents actually want to live, and caregivers actually want to work — with the more than 90% retention rate to prove it. Beatty joins the podcast this week to discuss how she helped turn Sherbrooke into a national standard for eldercare — as well as intergenerational education — north of the border. Learn more about Sherbrooke: Read the recent Canadian small-home report:
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Documenting the Dementia Journey on Film
03/12/2025
Documenting the Dementia Journey on Film
Like far too many people across the world, Kyle Henry was forced to spend his mother’s last days communicating from behind screens and PPE as the COVID-19 pandemic raged. But Henry — a prolific filmmaker and associate professor at Northwestern University — also saw an opportunity to shine a light on dementia, caregiving, and his own relationship with his mother. His film “Time Passages” stands as a tribute not just to one family struggling with the impending loss of a matriarch, but to all the caregivers and people living with dementia who have traveled similar paths. Learn more about the film, as well as screenings and streaming information: Learn more about Caring Across Generations:
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The Case for Population Health Management in Long-Term Care
03/05/2025
The Case for Population Health Management in Long-Term Care
The pursuit of innovative solutions in nursing home care is ongoing, and there is no shortage of people who are dedicated to this endeavor. Today’s guest, Fred Bentley, managing director of ATI Advisory’s Post-Acute/Long-Term care and Senior Living Practice, is one of these people. In addition to advocating for long-term care providers to shift focus to population health management, he also promotes innovation in clinical capabilities and embracing partnerships. Bentley sat down with Susan Ryan to discuss his 25-year journey in aging services and the potential of the household model to improve care and staffing. In addition, he addressed the recent administration’s funding and communications freeze, as well as its impact on aging services providers, including potential reforms to Medicaid and Medicare. Bentley also shared his perspective on the opportunities amid uncertainty, highlighting the increasing demand for long-term care services and supports as the population grows older.
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Paving the Way for Innovative Eldercare
02/26/2025
Paving the Way for Innovative Eldercare
To be a trailblazer is not an easy path. There are detractors, nay sayers, and critics, of course. But to pave the way for others to achieve great things in the field of eldercare takes heart and soul as well. Today’s guest, Steve McAlilly, has accomplished this all. In addition to leading the development of the first-ever Green House Homes, he has served as president and CEO of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services in Tupelo for 31 years. As McAlilly prepares to retire this week, Susan Ryan had the opportunity to sit down with him to talk about his journey from a lawyer to that moment when he realized he had to build that first non-institutional nursing home in the country. McAlilly describes the transition to operating an innovative eldercare model that has improved wellbeing and quality outcomes for older adults for over 20 years and in more than 400 homes nationwide. On behalf of the Center for Innovation board and its team, we salute McAlilly for the indelible imprint he’s made in forever changing the landscape of eldercare. He indeed has helped to change the world.
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Neuroplasticity and the Power of Integrated Care for Older People
02/19/2025
Neuroplasticity and the Power of Integrated Care for Older People
Gerascophobia is the fear of aging or getting older. This fear, according to today’s podcast guest, Kelly Tremblay, PhD, can not only make us sick, but can also be combatted by engaging in wellness activities such as book clubs or walking clubs—or even by listening to an inspiring podcast. What’s more, doing the work to counter the fear can actually help change the trajectory of our health as we get older. Tremblay, who is an audiologist and neuroscientist, and who co-authored the World Health Organization’s (WHO) new guidelines on integrated care for older people, examines the impact of neuroscience on longevity how it has shaped her life and work. As Trembly sits down with Susan Ryan to talk about her research in neuroplasticity, hearing loss, and communication disorders, they discuss her work as a professional coach, healthy workplaces, and how her personal life has coincided with her work. More about Dr. Tremblay’s work on WHO’s guidelines on integrated care for older people:
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Neuroplasticity and the Power of Integrated Care for Older People
02/19/2025
Neuroplasticity and the Power of Integrated Care for Older People
Gerascophobia is the fear of aging or getting older. This fear, according to today’s podcast guest, Kelly Tremblay, PhD, can not only make us sick, but can also be combatted by engaging in wellness activities such as book clubs or walking clubs—or even by listening to an inspiring podcast. What’s more, doing the work to counter the fear can actually help change the trajectory of our health as we get older. Tremblay, who is an audiologist and neuroscientist, and who co-authored the World Health Organization’s (WHO) new guidelines on integrated care for older people, examines the impact of neuroscience on longevity how it has shaped her life and work. As Trembly sits down with Susan Ryan to talk about her research in neuroplasticity, hearing loss, and communication disorders, they discuss her work as a professional coach, healthy workplaces, and how her personal life has coincided with her work. More about Dr. Tremblay’s work on WHO’s guidelines on integrated care for older people:
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Forging Good Trouble in Seniors Housing and Care
02/12/2025
Forging Good Trouble in Seniors Housing and Care
Innovation and disruption have not been typical keywords used to describe the seniors housing and care industry. This perception is rapidly changing thanks in large part to today’s guest, Bob Kramer, a self-described serial social entrepreneur and founder and president of Nexus Insights, an advisory firm that helps clients redefine aging and rethink aging services. His many decades in the field, coupled with his penchant for thinking outside the box has earned Kramer a reputation as an iconoclast and agitator in the field. His conversation with Susan Ryan in this episode tracks with this moniker and spans his experience as a Maryland state legislator, the establishment of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care in 1991, as well as his call for a shift from “sick care” to “well care” in the field. What’s more, Kramer discusses the strategic importance of influencing people to drive lasting change, drawing from his experience in politics. In addition, he asserts that there is now a profound opportunity for disruptive change in long-term services and supports.
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From the Theater to Dementia Advocacy
02/05/2025
From the Theater to Dementia Advocacy
There’s an old quote about how thinking about death is like staring at the sun — you can’t really do it for too long without becoming overwhelmed. The same can be said for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia: The idea of a parent, spouse, or other loved one no longer recognizing you is far too distressing for most people to consider. But Marilyn Raichle — a longtime leader in the theater world — responded to her parents’ dementia diagnoses not by turning away but dedicating herself to caregiving and advocacy. Today, as the executive director of Maude’s Awards, she helps fund organizations that look at dementia differently, providing support to the people currently walking the same path she did with her parents. Learn more about Maude's Awards: Check out Marilyn’s book, “Don't Walk Away”:
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