Shaping The Future of Aging- The Eden Alternative Podcast

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Welcome to Shaping the Future of Aging, an Eden Alternative Podcast. Together we will explore the changing landscape of aging, and how culture, mindset, and innovation can shape the way we grow older.

  1. May 7

    More Than Words: Changing the Story in Care Plans

    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/

    41 min

  2. Apr 23

    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!

    24 min

  3. Apr 9

    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.

    53 min

  4. Mar 26

    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.

    36 min

  5. Mar 12

    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

    57 min

  6. Feb 26

    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.

    58 min

  7. Feb 12

    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.

    55 min

  8. Jan 29

    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.

    52 min
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Welcome to Shaping the Future of Aging, an Eden Alternative Podcast. Together we will explore the changing landscape of aging, and how culture, mindset, and innovation can shape the way we grow older.

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