Shaping The Future of Aging- The Eden Alternative Podcast

Technology doesn't have to replace human connection—it can help strengthen it. Meera Srinivasan shares how Coach in The Pocket provides real-time coaching for eldercare team members while supporting the culture, relationships and person-directed practices at the heart of The Eden Alternative. For more information, visit https://www.kalkii.ai/

Incontinence care is about far more than choosing a product—it is about supporting dignity, comfort, independence, and quality of life. A one-size-fits-all approach can contribute to problems such as skin breakdown and infection risk, falls, discomfort, and changes in how a person experiences or responds to their environment. This conversation explores how individualized incontinence solutions, paired with person-directed care, can promote well-being, safety, confidence, comfort, and choice. For more information about TZMO-Seni, please visit their website: https://seni-usa.com/en_US/content/tzmo-usa 

Activity Professionals play a vital role in creating meaningful, person-directed lives for older adults. This conversation explores how moving beyond traditional “activities” to focus on purpose, choice, contribution, and connection can empower Activity Professionals to become catalysts for well-being and meaningful change in eldercare. For more information about the National Association of Activity Professionals and National Council for Certification of Activity Professionals, please visit their websites: https://www.nccap.org/ https://naap.info/ 

What does person-directed care look like in South Africa? In this episode, Willem Myburgh shares how The Eden Alternative South Africa is inspiring culture change, strengthening communities, and transforming the experience of aging. Discover the universal values that connect us all and the innovative ideas emerging in South Africa that can inspire change around the world.  For more information, check out The Eden Alternative South Africa at: https://edenalt.co.za/ 

Suellen Beatty and Cheryl George are Eden Alternative Global Partners leading transformation with the Eden Approach® in western Canada. While they were learning and growing at Sherbrooke Community Centre, they took what they learned out to the rest of western Canada. They then learned from others and brought that back to Sherbrooke. Reciprocity at its best. During the podcast they will share their insights about the Canadian healthcare system and where The Eden Alternative plays a role. One of their guiding insights to those new to Eden is that “no matter how far down the wrong road you have gone, turn around.” Listen in to learn more about how we all want to age in the right place, an inclusive place that is home. The Eden Approach® helps people create a vibrant community, full of abundant life and tons of opportunities! For more information, visit https://www.edenhealthsolutions.com/ 

In this episode, Kelly Chuckry shares how EdenCan is helping reshape the experience of aging through person-directed care, the Domains of Well-Being, and a commitment to meaningful living. Discover ideas that can inspire positive change in your own organization, regardless of where you live. For more information, check out EdenCan at: http://www.edencan.com/ 

Did you know that The Eden Alternative has been growing and expanding in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia since 2000? They have a great story to share which is the topic of this podcast. Learn more about how Eden grows down under and across the ditch from Sally Hopkins, Executive Director of Eden in Oz and NZ, Juliette Tuckey, CEO and Hilda Johnson, General Manager People and Community, with Howick Baptist Healthcare in Auckland, NZ. In our global world, learn how aging is experienced and supported in these countries and how the Eden Approach® makes a difference. For more information, check out https://edeninoznz.com.au/ 

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 doesn’t start with rewriting everything. It starts by noticing the words we choose. For more information, check out https://www.perspectivescoaching.us/
 

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 our sense of belonging. Language shapes the culture within an organization, which in turn influences whether employees choose to stay or leave. Tune in to learn how to make intentional language choices as a leader and teammate - it truly makes a difference!