Elevate Eldercare

Hosted by AgingIn

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353

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 34950 min

The Future of Post-Acute & Long-Term Care, with Leslie Eber, MD

For this week's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Leslie Eber, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, certified medical director, and president of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (PALTmed). Her journey into the field of geriatrics was inspired by her father's commitment to humanitarian service. Her role with PALTmed is helping to shape the future of post-acute and long-term carethrough education, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to sharing what it truly means to be a medical director in today's care environment, Dr. Eber explains why deeply knowing the person behind diagnosischanges everything. She also explores with Susan some impactful PALTmed initiatives, like "Drive to Deprescribe," as well as tools to improve quality of life and reduce unnecessary interventions. Ultimately, Lesley paints hopeful vision for the future, where elder communities are fully integrated into society, where intergenerational connections thrive, and where ageism is confronted by recognizing the wisdom and value of those who came before us. More information about PALTmed here: https://paltmed.org Learn about the AgingINnovation 2026 annual conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org

June 3, 2026Episode 3481 hr 4 min

Reimagining Dementia Care Through Real Homes and Real Lives, with Eloy van Hal

What happens when we stop designing care around institutions and start designing it around people? In this week's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with internationally recognized dementia care innovator Eloy van Hal, to answer this question. Drawing on decades of experience in the Netherlands, Eloy tells Susan how he helped move residents from traditional high-rise nursing homes into small, neighborhood-style homes where daily life feels familiar, meaningful, and human. As founder of the groundbreaking Hogeweyk model of dementia village in the Netherlands, van Hal discusses the philosophy behind it and the broader movement toward relationship-based, person-directed dementia care. Their conversation explores the importance of trust, family education, staff development, and stakeholder collaboration in creating cultures of care that honor the person beyond the diagnosis. More about Hogewyk here: https://www.bethecareconcept.com/en/actual/access-health-international-dementia-village-interview-with-eloy-van-hal/ Learn about the AgingINnovation 2026 annual conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org

May 29, 2026Episode 410 min

A Bit About Balance With Kelly Tremblay, PhD

On this episode of Brain Bytes, Kelly Tremblay, PhD, explores the critical connection between balance, mobility, falls, and brain health. With falls ranking as the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths globally, especially among older adults, Dr. Kelly explains why prevention starts long before a fall occurs. The conversation highlights how physical activity in midlife and beyond supports muscle strength, circulation, and brain function, while also reducing dementia risk. Dr. Kelly discusses how movement strengthens the communication between the brain and muscles, improving reaction time, coordination, and stability. Listeners will also learn how the eyes, ears, and proprioceptive system work together to help us navigate the world safely. Following are links and resources for this episode: • The World Health Organization's key facts on falls: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls • The AgingINnovation 2026 Annual Conference: https://aginginnovationconference.org

May 27, 2026Episode 3471 hr 4 min

The Evolution of Aging Services with Otis Woods, with Otis Woods

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan sits down with Otis Woods for a candid and insightful conversation about the evolution of aging services, culture change, and the future of long-term care. Drawing from decades of leadership experience—from supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to directing the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Woods shares how his journey shaped his commitment to person-centered care. Their discussion explores the dramatic growth of assisted living, the ongoing decline in nursing home beds, and the urgent need for clearer regulations. Woods also reflects on the lessons learned during the pandemic, the importance of collaboration between regulators and providers, and the critical role of workforce development in ensuring quality care for older adults. Susan and Otis dive into topics including culture change in eldercare, the Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) program, transparency in regulation, and the growing influence of private equity and REITs in aging services. This episode is a thoughtful look at where eldercare has been, and where it must go next, to better support frail elders, individuals with disabilities, and the workforce that cares for them. Learn more about AgingIN's upcoming 2026 annual conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/.

May 20, 2026Episode 3461 hr 2 min

Building Bridges Between Generations, with Mary Munoz

This week on the podcast, Mary Munoz sits down with AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan to share her extraordinary journey from a childhood shaped by incredible hardship to a successful 26-year career at Ziegler, and, ultimately, to launching a mission-driven nonprofit focused on intergenerational connection and opportunity. Mary's journey reflects both personal courage and a deep commitment to helping others. She describes the inspiration behind Foster Connections, a nonprofit that creates housing, mentorship, and workforce pathways for foster youth within senior living communities. Through intergenerational engagement and meaningful employment opportunities, the concept partners Glencroft Senior Living in and Thrive, an organization that supports youth in foster care. The conversation also explores Mary's personal healing journey, her transition into retirement and purpose-driven work, and her vision for expanding intergenerational living models across the aging services sector. This episode is a powerful reminder of how compassion, mentorship, and community can transform lives across generations. Find out more about Foster Connections here: https://fosterconnections.us/ Learn about AgingIN's 2026 conference here: https://conference2026.wpenginepowered.com/

May 13, 2026Episode 34549 min

How PACE Canada Is Transforming Community Care, with Paul Sharman

AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Paul Sharman, founder and president of PACE Canada, to explore how integrated, community-based care can transform aging services. Paul shares his journey from engineering and corporate leadership to public service and eldercare innovation after his mother's experience with dementia reshaped his perspective. Inspired by a visit to a Detroit PACE site, Paul launched PACE Canada in Ontario to bring collaborative, relationship-based care to older adults living in community housing. In addition to discussing the challenges of adapting the model to Canada, he examines the importance of trust and cross-sector collaboration. Paul also shares his bold vision for the future: connecting up to one million Canadians to integrated care systems powered by technology, predictive analytics, and community partnerships—all designed to help older adults age with dignity, connection, and support. More about PACE Canada here: https://www.atyourpace.ca/about-us Learn about AgingIN's 2026 conference here: https://conference2026.wpenginepowered.com/

May 6, 2026Episode 34449 min

Harmony and Hope: Inside the Second Verse Choir, with Anne Rigley and Kris Boggs

Music isn't just an activity; it's a powerful tool for connection, dignity, and redefining what's possible for people living with dementia. This has been proven by Second Verse Choir, a community choir created for people living with dementia and their care partners, and the subject of this week's episode. AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Second Verse Co-Founders Anne Rigley and Kris Boggs to discuss their impetus for creating the choir and how it has grown from a small group of 13 into a thriving choir of 20 members who meet weekly and perform for the community. Anne's background in social work, combined with Kris' lifelong passion for music and advocacy, has culminated into a program that fosters joy, connection, and belonging. The two share how music supports cognitive engagement, strengthens social bonds, and challenges the stigma surrounding dementia and aging. From early inspiration to their first "magical" performance, they reflect on the meaningful impact the choir has had on participants and their families. The conversation also explores the practical side of launching a dementia-friendly choir, from logistics and partnerships to person-centered approaches that meet participants where they are. Looking ahead, Anne and Kris are focused on expanding the model and bringing the power of music to more communities. More information about Second Verse here: https://www.secondversechoir.org/

April 29, 2026Episode 3431 hr 1 min

A Human Rights Approach to Dementia Care, with Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Allen Power, MD

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan interviews two of the top experts in dementia, Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Al Power, MD. Together, they examine some of the most entrenched and damaging practices in dementia care and what can be done to eliminate them. Drawing from clinical experience, research, and personal caregiving journeys, they unpack how the overuse of antipsychotics often mask deeper systemic failures, from under-resourced environments to inadequate training. Dr. Carson highlights the serious risks, including increased mortality, while Der. Power calls for a fundamental reframing of dementia away from "managing behaviors" and toward supporting well-being, inclusion, and human rights. Together, they advocate for relationship-centered care, stronger enforcement of existing protections, and practical tools to help organizations assess and create conditions for optimal living. Their conversation also previews their forthcoming book on dementia inclusion, aimed at offering actionable pathways for real system change, including a call for non-segregated and unlocked dementia care communities. This episode is both a critique of the status quo and a hopeful call to redesign dementia care around dignity, equity, and true support. Find more about Dr. Power's work here: http://www.alpower.net/geriatrician/Dr.%20Al%20Power_intro.html Find out more about Dr. Caron's work here: https://deerprogram.org

April 27, 2026Episode 310 min

A Bit About Vision Loss With Kelly Tremblay, PhD

In this episode of Brain Bytes, host Kelly Tremblay, PhD, neuroscientist and hearing and brain health expert, examines the truth about screen time and eye health—what it does and doesn't do to your vision. She explains why digital devices won't permanently damage the eyes, but can still cause real discomfort in the short term. The conversation expands into aging and vision loss, challenging the common belief that serious eye conditions are inevitable. Dr. Kelly highlights how lifestyle, health, and early intervention play a critical role in protecting vision over time. Most importantly, she connects vision to brain health, revealing how impaired eyesight can increase cognitive strain and even elevate dementia risk—making routine eye care more essential than many people realize. Following are links and resources for this episode: • National Eye Institute: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10248513/ • The Lancet Risk Factors for Dementia: https://www.thelancet.com/infographics-do/dementia-risk • "Association of cataract extraction and the risk of dementia—A systematic review and meta-analysis": https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information

April 22, 2026Episode 3421 hr 2 min

From Activism to Innovation: The Story of OATs, with Tom Kamber

This week on Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Tom Kamber, founder of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet, to explore how technology can empower older adults. Tom shares his journey from a young activist inspired by his father's library to a national leader in digital inclusion. After 9/11, he shifted his focus toward technology as a tool for social change—sparked by a transformative experience with an 80-year-old woman named Pearl learning to use tech for the first time. From humble beginnings teaching classes in senior centers, OATS has grown into a national movement. Through Senior Planet and a powerful partnership with AARP, the organization reached over 845,000 older adults last year—and is on track to impact one million. This conversation highlights the urgent need to make technology accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for all older adults—and the role innovation, community, and activism play in shaping the future of aging.