Shaping The Future of Aging- The Eden Alternative Podcast

Language reflects what we believe. In this episode, Pam Mendoza and Samara Fisher from Parker Health Group join us to discuss how they intentionally embedded person-directed language into their culture from the start — shaping how elders are viewed, how teams collaborate, and how dignity and autonomy are supported every day. 

Care plans are meant to reflect a person, but the language we use often tells a different story. In this episode, Emily Connors and Ruth Minnema explore how everyday phrases like “non-compliant” or “refuses care” shape how people are seen and treated. They unpack why deficit-based language persists, and what it takes to shift toward person-directed, partnership-based care. Because changing care do...

Person-first language is essential to honoring individuals who accept support from others. In this podcast, Jessica discusses how person-first language is just as crucial in our interactions with one another as members of the care partner team. The words we choose affect not only our assumptions and beliefs about the work we do but also our relationships with teammates, our value to the team, and...

For more than 25 years, the Sherbrooke Community Centre and Central Haven Special Care Home, in Saskatoon, SK, have been on a thoughtful journey—reimagining the words we use and the impact they have on the people around us. In this episode, you’ll hear heartfelt stories and practical insights from Kim Schmidt, Deb Schick, Eric Anderson, and Cheryl George as they share what they’ve learned along th...

How do you shift the language across multiple care communities? This team would say ‘one word at a time and build from there.’ Tune in to hear the story of how Connecting Care Communities came together, using the Eden Approach®, and identified language that helped them create true home with the Elders (residents). As you will hear from Lisa, Mary Lou, and Sarah, the process is not always easy, but...

In this episode of Shaping the Future of Aging, we explore Compassionate Communication and why it sits at the heart of meaningful relationships in eldercare and beyond. Joined by Rebecca Hubbard, we unpack how observing without judgment, naming needs, and listening with empathy can transform even the most difficult conversations into moments of connection, psychological safety, and trust. Whether ...

This episode welcomes Jennifer Carson and Casey Venturini with the DEER project (The Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research Program) from the School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno. Tune in to hear about how language shapes our thinking, our actions, and our worlds and how that impacts the lives of people living with dementia. Language has the power to open and close doors wheth...

Carmen Bowman returns to Shaping the Future of Aging to talk about the power of language to change thinking and practice. Think about it. How often are labels (e.g., diabetic, wanderer, feeder, difficult) used to describe a person accepting your support? How often do we apply terms like therapy or program to something that is just a normal part of life so it feels more professional? Tune in to lea...

This episode explores the powerful connection between language and person-directed care with guest Joan Devine. Together, we look at how everyday words shape culture, influence relationships, and either humanize or distance us from one another. You’ll walk away with practical, realistic shifts you can begin using today to create more dignity, connection, and meaning in your care community. 

In this episode, we explore the incredible power of language and how the words we choose can either build dignity or create barriers for people living with dementia. Mark Timmons from the Dementia Action Alliance joins us to share practical insights and personal stories about speaking in ways that uplift, connect, and honor the person. Tune in to discover simple shifts in language that can transfo...

What does it mean to age well? This is a question that Sandy Sabersky has explored in her own life. Then she asked herself, “What does it mean to age well and be living with dementia?” That started her on the path to creating Elderwise, a day program in the Seattle, Washington area. Elderwise focuses on the whole person and helping them to grow inwardly and outwardly. Cognitive loss does not chang...

What is an End-of-Life Doula and why is their work important? Join us for a conversation with Sandy Place, an End-of-Life Doula. Sandy brough these skills into the Eden community where she was the administrator. She shares stories about the difference this work made in the lives of Elders, their families, and the employees. She is now taking that experience and helping other organizations replicat...

The Denali Center has been committed to the Eden Approach® for over two decades now. What inspired them to get started? What has sustained them in continuing to grow? How has the Eden Approach evolved for them over the years? How has the Eden Approach shaped their culture and community? You will be amazed to hear the answers as Tina Whetstine and Jessica Aldabe share Denali Center’s story. Their s...

This conversation with Daphne Johnston and Alison Smith will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. The name of the organization tells the story: Respite for All. Everyone is together and there is no differentiation. Through the podcast you will learn about the Respite for All model and their resources to help support and guide anyone who chooses to implement one in their community. Res...

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as the stereotypes (what we think), prejudice (what we feel), and discrimination (how we act) based on age, which can be directed towards oneself or others. Ageism is not just a US issue; it is a global issue. Ageism affects everyone's health and well-being. The first step to start combatting ageism is to be aware of when it shows up and get curio...

Lori Seiders developed an interest in herbology as a part of her second wind in life. In this podcast she shares how her knowledge of herbs, and their varied uses, has evolved. As Lori says in the podcast, “Each herb is unique in how it nurtures the body, and it nurtures a body in different ways.” Herbology is also about more than how the herb affects the body. Herbology can be about the process o...

In this episode of Shaping the Future of Aging, Emily Connors sits down with Hannah and Tonja to explore how nursing homes can transform the way we honor elders at the end of life. Beyond routine rituals, their team has found meaningful ways to celebrate each person’s uniqueness, create space for shared grief, and strengthen community bonds. Listen in as they share practical strategies for involvi...

Volunteerism is not a ‘nice to have,’ it is essential! Listen in to this podcast to hear from Dr. Paul Falkowski, Founder and President of the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV). Learn how he got started as a volunteer, what he has learned in the last 30 years in that role, and how it has inspired him to grow volunteerism all across the country. You will hear anecdotal stor...

What happens when care teams let go of rigid routines and start saying “yes” to the moment? In this episode of the Eden Alternative podcast, we sit down with Gail Lancaster, who shares how bringing spontaneity into daily life has sparked connection, laughter, and renewed purpose in their community. From impromptu celebrations to unexpected acts of kindness, discover how creating space for the unpl...

Description: What if a simple song could unlock a person’s identity, joy, and connection to the world around them? In this episode, we explore the origin story of Music & Memory, a groundbreaking organization that has been reshaping dementia care since 2010. Justin shares how personalized music goes far beyond just entertainment—it's a powerful, evidence-based tool that helps reduce distress,...

Description: The MRC Creekside team wanted to make an impact in their larger community of Huntsville, TX. They came upon an idea that another organization was implementing called The Gathering Place. They learned and acquired the resources they needed. They reached out into the community and found a location and volunteers. Together they have created a gathering place of connections, love, growth,...

Description: In this podcast Carmen Bowman, MHS, with Edu-Catering, speaks about the Dining Practice Standards . The conversation covers how the standards were developed, who was involved, and the focus of each standard. The goal of the Dining Practice Standards was to establish nationally agreed upon standards of practice supporting individualized choice and self‐directed living versus traditiona...

Grancare Nursing Center in Green Bay, WI, knows how to create home. During this podcast you will get a glimpse of how they are turning what others might call a facility into true home for those who live and work there. This team has integrated the Eden Alternative Principles and Domains of Well-Being deep into systems, processes, practices, and education. That effort has shaped the culture of care...

In this episode, we sit down with Francina Russ, Deputy Director at Clairmont Place, as she shares the transformative impact of incorporating a well-being approach into the dining experience for elders and their care partners. Francina explains how the focus on holistic health—nourishing not only the body but also the mind and spirit—has reshaped mealtimes. She discusses the innovative changes in...

Angie McAllister, NHA, Eden Alternative Board Chair, and Eden Educator, has been working with organizations on shifting the culture of care for well over 20 years now. The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being® have played a big role in her consulting work and supporting organizations in creating person-directed living environments. Angie believes the domains are tangible outcomes that are achiev...