Shaping The Future of Aging- The Eden Alternative Podcast

Honoring Lives & Transforming Grief

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 involving residents, families, and care partners in remembrance, reflect on lessons learned, and discuss how small, thoughtful acts can make the end of life a time of love, connection, and celebration. Whether you work in long-term care or simply care about compassionate approaches to aging, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about grief, memory, and community. 

Volunteerism Has Far-Reaching Benefits

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 stories and research that demonstrate the emotional and physical benefits that volunteering brings to residents, their families, the volunteer, the employees and leaders of long-term care settings. The NALTCV has the resources you need to become a volunteer or to lay the foundation for a “wow” volunteer experience in your community.  

Magic Moments: Why Spontaneity Matters

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 unplanned can lead to deeper relationships and a more vibrant care culture. Whether you're a leader, caregiver, or culture change advocate, this episode will inspire you to make room for the magic of the moment. 
 

Beyond the Playlist: The Power of Personalized Music in Dementia Care

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, boost mood, and spark meaningful engagement. We’ll dive into how care partners can uncover each person's musical history, why personalization matters so deeply, and what happens when someone living with dementia hears “their song” again. This episode will open your heart—and your mind. Looking to create a personalized music playlist for someone at home? Visit musicandmemory.org to get started with a helpful tool. 

The Gathering Place

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, and an abundance of blessings to go around. Listen in to learn more about their story and how you might create a Gathering Place in your own community. 

Real Food First, Dining Practice Standards

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 traditional diagnosis‐focused food options. Examples are shared of how organizations have changed their approach to dining and the difference it is making in the lives of Elders. 
 

Bringing Well-Being to Life, One Step at a Time

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 the home. It was not a process that happened overnight. It has taken time, commitment, and ongoing efforts to be successful. Tune in to learn more about their story.

More Than a Meal: A Holistic Approach to Dining

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 dining that prioritize connection, choice, and joy, and how this shift has enhanced the overall quality of life for residents and care partners alike. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how a mindful approach to food can make a world of difference. 

Creating a Culture that Promotes Well-Being

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 achievable and measurable. Well-being is about meeting basic human needs for all of us. Angie’s goal has always been to help organizations operationalize their processes around well-being so that the people living and working there thrive. You are invited to listen in and learn more about what that looks like. 

Beyond Care: Nurturing Well-Being for Residents and Care Partners

In this episode, Reanne Evans discusses the transformative impact of focusing on the Eden Alternative's Domains of Well-Being for both residents and care partners. Reanne shares her expertise on how the Eden Alternative framework fosters a sense of autonomy, purpose, and companionship, enriching the lives of residents and empowering care partners in long-term care settings. Reanne provides insights into how its application can create a more vibrant, fulfilling environment for everyone involved. From fostering meaningful relationships to supporting care partners’ emotional well-being, this episode offers practical advice and real-life examples of how the Eden Alternative is changing the landscape of care. Whether you’re a care provider, family member, or advocate, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how care environments can nurture both residents and their teams.