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Elevate Eldercare

Elevate Eldercare

Hosted by AgingIn

BusinessSocietyCultureInterviews guestsExplicit
WebsiteRSS feedLinkedInYouTube

Episodes

363

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 5, 2026Episode 3571 hr 6 min

Research That Actually Makes a Difference, with Liza Behrens, et. al.

What happens when nursing home residents, direct care workers, administrators, clinicians, and researchers all have an equal seat at the table? In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, host Susan Ryan welcomes Liza Behrens, assistant professor at Penn State University, along with members of the Empowering U.S. Nursing Homes Community Advisory Board explore how person-centered research can transform the future of long-term care. Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the project is working to increase the capacity of nursing homes to participate in meaningful clinical research shaped by the people who live and work in these communities every day. Joining the conversation are resident Lorraine Bingman, certified nursing assistant Troy Alexander, nursing home administrator Allison Myers, and geriatrician Nicole Osevala, MD. Together, they share how diverse perspectives are strengthening research, breaking down barriers created by technical language, and ensuring that innovation reflects the real experiences of residents and caregivers. More about the Empowering U.S. Nursing Homes project here: https://www.nursing.psu.edu/empoweringus/ More about AgingIN's upcoming purpose-driven conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/

July 29, 2026Episode 3561 hr 7 min

Redefining Long-Term Care for Complex Populations, with David Skoczulek

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes David Skoczulek, vice president of business development and communications at iCare Health Network, for a conversation about providing compassionate care to some of the most underserved populations in long-term care.  Drawing on his background as a paramedic, David shares how empathy, communication, and human connection have shaped his approach to serving older adults with complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs. David discusses iCare's innovative care model, including its nationally recognized MissionCare Health, which provides long-term care for justice-involved and difficult-to-place individuals. The conversation explores the importance of person-centered care, leadership, workforce development, and reducing the stigma surrounding these populations.  This is a powerful conversation about dignity, second chances, and courage to lean in and think differently. More about iCare and MissionCare here: www.icarehn.com  More about AgingIN's upcoming purpose-driven conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/

July 24, 2026Episode 612 min

A Bit About World Brain Day and Screening for Brain Health, with Kelly Tremblay, PhD

In recognition of World Brain Day, Dr. Kelly Tremblay explores why brain health requires a whole-person approach. She explains how hearing, vision, nutrition, mobility, and social connection all play critical roles in cognitive health, and why addressing these factors early can reduce the risk of dementia, falls, and other age-related challenges. Kelly also introduces the World Health Organization's free Integrated Care of Older People (ICOPE) screening tools, which empower individuals and communities to monitor brain and overall health through easy-to-use, multilingual assessments.  Tune in to learn how proactive screening and integrated care can help extend not just lifespan, but healthspan, while supporting independence and quality of life. To learn more, join us at our AgingIN conference and discover what the World Health Organization and your peer communities are doing to make aging better: https://aginginnovationconference.org/program/longevity-summit/ More about ICOPE here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240103726

July 22, 2026Episode 35557 min

Bridging the Caregiving Divide, with Robert Espinoza

What will it take to build a long-term care system that truly works for everyone? In this episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Robert Espinoza, founder of the CareWorks Project, for a thought-provoking conversation about reimagining care through innovation, equity, and collaboration. Robert shares the personal experiences that shaped his career and introduces the concept of the "caregiving divide," the growing gap between the care people need and the care they actually receive. Together, Susan and Robert explore the urgent need for person-centered and worker-centered solutions, including a universal direct care workforce framework, the promise of artificial intelligence in home care, and the role of public-private partnerships in transforming the future of aging. This episode offers a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges facing long-term care and the bold ideas and collaborative approaches that can help create a more compassionate, sustainable future for older adults, caregivers, and the workforce that supports them. More information about the CareWorks Project here: https://www.careworksproject.co/ More information about AgingIN's upcoming conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org

July 15, 2026Episode 3541 hr 1 min

How Aging Forward Is Redefining Aging Through Community, with Sarah Cheney

What does it take to build communities where older adults can continue learning, connecting, and thriving? In this week's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Sarah Cheney, Executive Director of Aging Forward, to explore how the organization is empowering older adults through lifelong learning, volunteer services, and neighbor-to-neighbor support. Sarah shares the personal experiences that shaped her passion for aging services and explains how Aging Forward—formerly Shepherd Centers—has spent the past 50 years helping older adults remain engaged, independent, and connected in their communities.  Together, Susan and Sarah discuss the power of purpose, the importance of social connection, and why community-based collaboration is essential to changing the narrative around aging. More information about Aging Forward here: https://aging-forward.org/ Learn about AgingIN's upcoming national conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/

July 8, 2026Episode 35359 min

Why Philanthropy Matters to the Future of Aging, with Peter Kaldes

AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Peter Kaldes, president and CEO of the Next50 Foundation, to explore how philanthropy can help transform the future of aging.  Peter shares his unconventional journey from attorney and public policy leader to one of the nation's leading advocates for older adults. He discusses Next50's mission to end ageism while investing in innovative solutions that help people age well. Their conversation examines the critical role philanthropy plays in advancing aging services, the need for greater investment in digital inclusion, housing, and community-based supports, and why only a small fraction of charitable giving currently benefits older adults.  Peter also reflects on his personal caregiving experiences, the importance of reimagining systems that support aging, and the launch of his podcast, "The Future Is Old," which challenges outdated stereotypes and celebrates the opportunities of an aging society. More details about the Next50 Foundation here: https://next50foundation.org/

July 1, 2026Episode 3521 hr 3 min

The Next Generation of Eldercare, with Francis LeGasse Jr.

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Francis LeGasse Jr, co-founder and managing partner of Assured Senior Living, a growing network of small homes in Colorado, to discuss how intimate, relationship-centered living environments are transforming eldercare. Francis shares his personal journey into aging services, inspired by his family's experiences with dementia and caregiving, and explains why he transitioned from home care to the small house model.  He describes how thoughtfully designed homes, each serving just nine residents, create opportunities for meaningful relationships, greater independence, and improved quality of life. The conversation also explores caring for people living with dementia and brain injuries, the surprising benefits of shared living spaces, workforce retention, and the challenges of financing high-quality care.  More about Assured Senior Living here: https://assuredassistedliving.com/

June 26, 2026Episode 514 min

A Bit About Depression, with Kelly Tremblay, PhD

Feeling sad after a loss, health change, or major life transition is a normal part of life. But depression is not a normal part of aging. In this episode of Brain Bytes, Kelly Tremblay, PhD, explores how to distinguish between temporary low mood and clinical depression, highlighting common symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and social withdrawal. Dr. Kelly also discusses the important role of social connection in protecting emotional well-being and reviews evidence-based approaches that can help, including cognitive behavioral strategies, community engagement, and emerging research on wisdom-enhanced narrative therapy. Tune in to learn why recognizing the signs of depression early can make a meaningful difference in supporting mental health, brain health, and overall quality of life as we age. To learn more, join us at our AgingIN conference and discover what the World Health Organization and your peer communities are doing to make aging better. https://aginginnovationconference.org/program/longevity-summit/ Here is a link to the study cited in the episode:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S106474812400383X?utm_source=chatgpt.com

June 24, 2026Episode 3511 hr 2 min

Reimagining Assisted Living Through the Small House Model, with George Kutnerian

In this episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with George Kutnerian, second-generation operator and co-founder of WellPointe, a California-based organization operating 67 licensed small house assisted living locations. George shares the remarkable story of how his parents pioneered the residential assisted living model in Fresno, Calif., in 1984 and how their vision has evolved into a scalable, person-centered approach to housing and care. Susan and George explore the operational realities behind the model, including adaptive reuse of single-family homes, co-located operations for efficiency, workforce strategies, and the importance of maintaining meaningful resident-staff relationships. Throughout the episode, George challenges listeners to rethink assumptions about aging, housing, and care—and to focus on the fundamental question of what "home" truly means. He offers a compelling vision for the future of eldercare: one where home, community, dignity, and choice are at the center of every decision. The small house model will be featured at the AgingINnovation 2026 annual conference this August. Learn more about it here: https://aginginnovationconference.org

June 17, 2026Episode 35042 min

Healthspan, Purpose, and the AgingIN 2026 Conference, with Kelly Tremblay, PhD

In today's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes neuroscientist, audiologist, and educator Kelly Tremblay, PhD, for a conversation about healthy aging, brain health, and the science behind longevity. Susan and Dr. Kelly also preview the upcoming AgingIN Conference 2026 and its highly anticipated Longevity Summit, where participants will explore the importance of knowing the difference between lifespan and healthspan. Dr. Kelly explains how the World Health Organization Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework offers a practical roadmap for supporting older adults through a holistic focus on mobility, cognition, communication, mental well-being, and meaningful participation in daily life. The conversation also highlights emerging technologies, community-based solutions, leadership lessons, and the importance of breaking down silos to create an ecosystem that supports people as they age. Learn about the AgingINnovation 2026 annual conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org

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