Shaping The Future of Aging- The Eden Alternative Podcast

Words Make Worlds for Us Too!

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! 

From Prickly to Powerful: How Words Make a Difference

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 the way. Together, they explore language through a lens of abundance and normalcy, showing how small shifts in words can create big shifts in culture. You’ll discover some of their “prickly words” and how they’ve made changing language an engaging experience—one that everyone can take part in and benefit from. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of words and the communities they help shape. 

Shifting the Language, Shaping the Culture: Connecting Care’s Story

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 the outcomes are well worth the effort for both the employee and Elder care partners. 

Compassionate Communication: Turning Everyday Conversations into Culture Change

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 you’re supporting Elders, leading a care team, or navigating hard conversations at work or home, this episode offers practical insights for creating more human-centered, compassionate communities—one conversation at a time. For additional tools and resources, visit: www.bigowlinsight.com

Language Awareness Expands Possibilities

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 whether it is spoken, written, or just thought. Words have the power to create positive disruption and reshape a person’s life experience. Language is constantly evolving and changing. It is through shared exploration that we find the language that makes a difference today. 

Real Life Driving Language, It Makes a Difference

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 learn more about Carmen’s experience in exploring the use of language and how it can shift life experiences for those who live and work in homes or communities or houses (not facilities). During the call, Carmen mentions editorials she has in the journal Activities, Adaptation & Aging. Carmen also mentions the white paper The Power of Language to Create Culture, which is worth reading. 

The Words We Choose: How Language Shapes Culture in Care

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. 

Beyond Labels: How Language Shapes the Dementia Experience

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 transform relationships, community, and care. 

Recognizing Your Essence: The Elderwise Way

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 change the essence of the person. In her journey with Elderwise, she has learned much about spirit-centered care and how to bring well-being into people’s lives. That experience has shaped how the day program flows in the Elderwise time zone. If you want to learn more, check out their website, Elderwise.org, or email Sandy at info@elderwise.org. Sandy has also co-written a book, The Elderwise Way. 

Person-Directed End-of-Life Care: What Does a Death Doula Do?

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 replicate these important efforts. During the conversation she will talk about INELDA, the International End-of-Life Doula Association (www.inelda.org), as the organization she received training through. If you would like to learn more after listening, you can contact Sandy at: sandy@asandyplace.com.