Elevate Eldercare

AgingIn

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.

  1. 3일 전

    Harmony and Hope: Inside the Second Verse Choir, with Anne Rigley and Kris Boggs

    Music isn't just an activity; it's a powerful tool for connection, dignity, and redefining what's possible for people living with dementia. This has been proven by Second Verse Choir, a community choir created for people living with dementia and their care partners, and the subject of this week's episode. AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Second Verse Co-Founders Anne Rigley and Kris Boggs to discuss their impetus for creating the choir and how it has grown from a small group of 13 into a thriving choir of 20 members who meet weekly and perform for the community. Anne's background in social work, combined with Kris' lifelong passion for music and advocacy, has culminated into a program that fosters joy, connection, and belonging. The two share how music supports cognitive engagement, strengthens social bonds, and challenges the stigma surrounding dementia and aging. From early inspiration to their first "magical" performance, they reflect on the meaningful impact the choir has had on participants and their families. The conversation also explores the practical side of launching a dementia-friendly choir, from logistics and partnerships to person-centered approaches that meet participants where they are. Looking ahead, Anne and Kris are focused on expanding the model and bringing the power of music to more communities. More information about Second Verse here: https://www.secondversechoir.org/

    49분
  2. 4월 29일

    A Human Rights Approach to Dementia Care, with Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Allen Power, MD

    In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan interviews two of the top experts in dementia, Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Al Power, MD. Together, they examine some of the most entrenched and damaging practices in dementia care and what can be done to eliminate them. Drawing from clinical experience, research, and personal caregiving journeys, they unpack how the overuse of antipsychotics often mask deeper systemic failures, from under-resourced environments to inadequate training. Dr. Carson highlights the serious risks, including increased mortality, while Der. Power calls for a fundamental reframing of dementia away from "managing behaviors" and toward supporting well-being, inclusion, and human rights. Together, they advocate for relationship-centered care, stronger enforcement of existing protections, and practical tools to help organizations assess and create conditions for optimal living. Their conversation also previews their forthcoming book on dementia inclusion, aimed at offering actionable pathways for real system change, including a call for non-segregated and unlocked dementia care communities. This episode is both a critique of the status quo and a hopeful call to redesign dementia care around dignity, equity, and true support. Find more about Dr. Power's work here: http://www.alpower.net/geriatrician/Dr.%20Al%20Power_intro.html Find out more about Dr. Caron's work here: https://deerprogram.org

    1시간 1분
  3. 4월 15일

    Ethical AI in Eldercare, with Mohammad Mahoor, Phd

    This week's episode features Mohammad Mahoor, professor of computer science at the University of Denver, where he leads research in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and social robotics. AgingIN CEO sits down with Mohammad to explore how artificial intelligence can support emotional well-being and cognitive health in aging. With a unique background spanning computer science, biomedical engineering, and psychology, Mohammad shares how his early work with children with autism evolved into a focus on addressing loneliness, social isolation, and early-stage dementia in older adults.A Mohammad is also Founder & CEO of DreamFace Technologies, a company developing AI-powered wellness robots for older adults. At the center of this work is "Ryan," a socially assistive robot designed to engage residents in meaningful interaction. Using AI to recognize emotion, personalize conversation, and encourage cognitive and physical activity, Ryan has shown promising impact in senior living settings—helping residents feel more connected while also supporting staff capacity. The conversation also tackles the ethical complexities of AI in eldercare, including privacy, bias, and transparency. Mahoor underscores the importance of building trust through clear communication about how technology works and ensuring that systems are designed with dignity and consent at the forefront. Looking ahead, Mahoor envisions a future where technology is deeply personalized, collaborative, and human-centered. He calls on providers to engage older adults in the design process and to adopt innovation responsibly by leveraging tools like Ryan to enhance connection, not replace it. More about Ryan and Dream Face here: https://dreamfacetech.com

    57분
  4. 4월 8일

    Rewiring Brain Health: From Memory Care to Neuro Wellness, with Sue Paul

    Sue Paul, an occupational therapist with more than 35 years of experience, joins AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan to share her journey reimagining dementia care through the lens of brain health.   Reflecting on a time when Alzheimer's care was often institutional and limiting, Sue, who is senior director of well being and brain health for Asbury Communities, developed a more proactive, person-centered framework focused on prevention, dignity, and understanding the trajectory of cognitive change.  Her work has evolved into a strong emphasis on lifestyle-based interventions—movement, cognitive engagement, stress management, and social connection—as powerful tools to support and even improve brain health. At Asbury, Sue brought this philosophy to life through the Rosborough Wellness and Brain Health Center, an innovative space featuring everything from a rock-climbing wall to a boxing studio and tech lab, all designed to make brain health visible, engaging, and stigma-free for more than 380 residents.  Central to her approach is the Kinnections program with compelling results showing that 90 percent of participants maintaining or improving cognitive function and half of those with mild cognitive impairment returning to normal cognition. Sue is also leading a shift in language and mindset, encouraging providers to move away from "memory care" toward a more holistic concept of "neuro health."  Beyond campus walls, Sue is expanding her impact through SeniorScapes, a dementia-friendly park model in Frederick, Md., designed to promote outdoor activity, cognitive engagement, and social connection.

    56분
  5. 3월 27일

    A Bit About Hearing Loss and the Brain with Kelly Tremblay, PhD

    In this episode of Brain Bytes, host Kelly Tremblay, PhD, neuroscientist and hearing and brain health expert, explores the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between hearing and the brain.  In recognition of World Hearing Day on March 3, Dr. Kelly sheds light on why hearing health is critical to overall well-being, especially for older adults. Hearing loss is one of the leading causes of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting one in three adults over 65. But, as Dr. Kelly explains, it's not simply an inevitable part of aging—lifestyle factors, environmental exposure, and even certain medical treatments can play a significant role. This episode illuminates why hearing loss is closely linked to brain health and cognitive decline, how untreated hearing loss can contribute to social isolation and increased dementia risk, and how to recognize early signs of hearing loss. Dr. Kelly examines how hearing is not just about the ears, it's a brain function, and why early detection and intervention can significantly improve quality of life, communication, and cognitive health. Following are link to resources referred to in the episode: Hearing Loss Association of America: https://www.hearingloss.org/ WHO Deafness and Hearing Loss Q&A: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/deafness-and-hearing-loss-safe-listening Ask an Audiologist: https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/ AgingIN Annual Conference: https://aginginnovation.org/events/annual-conference/  We are grateful to Parker Health for their sponsorship of this micro podcast.

    13분
4.9
최고 5점
51개의 평가

소개

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.

좋아할 만한 다른 항목