In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Nancy Zionts, chief program officer at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF). In a wide-ranging discussion, the two talk about the importance of valuing older adults, human-centered technology, and intergenerational connections.

Zionts shares insights from a study tour to Japan, where she observed innovative practices like virtual reality training for dementia care and stand-up CT machines.

Ryan and Zionts discuss integrating experiences with older adults into the curriculum for health professional students, such as having them regularly spend time with elders in the community.

Zionts suggests that reimagining of aging and care by connecting generations, humanizing technology, and reshaping healthcare to honor the dignity, wisdom, and individuality of older adults. She asserts that systems of care, learning, and innovationmust see elders not as problems to solve, but as people to learn from and partners in progress.

Zionts’ call to action envisions building a future where aging is valued, technology serves humanity, and every generation learns from and cares for one another.

More about JHF here: https://jhf.org

In this episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Tamar Krebs, founder of VideriAustralia (formerly Group Homes Australia), to explore her remarkable journey transforming aged care through person-centered, household living. From her early experiences in nursing homes to building 26 small-scale homes across Australia, Tamar shares how her vision redefines what it means to age with dignity.

Tamar and Susan discuss the household model, where six to 10 residents live in real homes supported by trained teams. Tamar explains how thoughtful design—like central kitchens and adaptable spaces—creates meaningful daily life, while technology tools reduce care fatigue without compromising autonomy.

The two also discuss the groundbreaking Rementia program, a dementia retreat designed to empower both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Backed by a three-year government grant, the program covers practical and personal aspects of life—food, exercise, sleep, intimacy, and financial planning—helping families reframe what’s possible.

Tamar urges listeners to challenge the status quo and make small, intentional changes that improve the lives of older adults. Her story is a powerful reminder that care is designed around people—not institutions—it creates communities where everyone can be seen, valued, and supported.

In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Kristen Parsons, who shares her inspiring journey from pediatrics to eldercare and why she is passionate about helping older adults maintain their independence. Now leading operations at Tiffany Village and Kenny’s Pond in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Kristen highlights how their approach to care and the use of technology are transforming outcomes for residents and staff alike.

Susan and Kristen discuss the impact of AMBA, a data-driven platform that provides insights on sleep, activity, and medication management, and how its implementation led to higher occupancy, reduced falls, improved compliance, and greater staff satisfaction.

Finally, Kristen underscores the importance of visionary leadership, staff collaboration, and continuous improvement to create better aging experiences.

Visit our website – https://aginginnovation.org

In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Michael Giuliano, chief operating officer at Planetree International, who shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a family of healthcare professionals to leading a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing person-centered care.

Michael reflects on how his father’s medical practice shaped his belief in the power of relationships in healthcare and explains how Planetree’s work—from its origins to its internationally recognized certification program—has transformed outcomes for patients, families, and staff alike.

Susan and Michale discuss the proven benefits of person-centered care, including lower hospital readmission rates, higher patient satisfaction, and stronger staff engagement.

Their conversation also touches on the importance of cultural transformation in healthcare organizations and practical ways leaders can foster environments where patients and staff truly feel seen, heard, and valued.

The Planetree Global Person-Centered Care Forum will take place in Baltimore, Oct. 12–15, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders and innovators from around the world. Find out more here: https://www.planetree.org/.

Visit our website at https://aginginnovation.org/

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Anne Tumlinson, founder and CEO of ATI Advisory, and creator of Daughterhood, to explore her remarkable journey from environmental activism to national healthcare leadership.

Anne shares how her early work with U.S. Rep. John Lewis and Sen. Harris Wofford inspired her pivot toward aging and healthcare policy. Her time at the Office of Management and Budget gave her a front-row seat to the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid, particularly in long-term care—a focus that would shape the rest of her career.

Drawing on her experience, Anne reflects on launching ATI Advisory, where she leads efforts to improve care for complex populations through data-driven insights, value-based care models, and innovative solutions like AI.

Their conversation also highlights Anne’s deeply personal initiative, Daughterhood, a grassroots movement to support family caregivers. Through community-building efforts, she is helping reframe caregiving as a collective responsibility rather than a solitary burden.

Together, Anne and Susan discuss a vision for the future of eldercare that is seamlessly integrated into community services, much like education for children. Anne challenges us to rethink how society supports aging, leverage AI to increase efficiency, and—most importantly—preserve the human touch at the heart of care.

Learn more about Daughterhood here: https://daughterhood.org/

Visit our website here: www.aginginnovation.org

In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes back Rob Liebreich, president and CEO of Goodwin Living, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of eldercare.

Rob reflects on his 23-year journey in aging services, inspired by his grandmother’s experience, and shares how that personal connection continues to guide his mission. He recounts the challenges of leading Goodwin Living through COVID-19 and highlights the strength of a workforce in which 40 percent are immigrants.

Together, Susan and Rob explore the growth of Goodwin Living, serving 4,000 older adults and supporting 1,500 team members; expansion projects; innovative initiatives, such as the Stronger Memory program; the role of the Goodwin Living Foundation; and the urgent need for immigration reform to address the growing demand for eldercare workers.

Rob lays out his vision: expanding services and housing, strengthening brain health and anti-loneliness initiatives, and growing the foundation to better serve older adults and caregivers alike.

Explore the Goodwin Foundation here: https://goodwinlivingfoundation.org/

In this episode, Charles DeVilmorin, co-founder of Linked Senior and now part of LifeLoop, joins AgingINSM CEO Susan Ryan to share his journey into eldercare and the passion that drives his work in resident engagement.

Charles began his path with a thesis on nursing home environments that revealed the devastating effects of isolation and boredom on residents. That eye-opening experience led him to create LinkedSenior, a technology platform designed to foster connection, purpose, and dignity for older adults.

He discusses the challenges of segregation in eldercare, the critical importance of social connection, and the entrepreneurial journey that led to the merger of LinkedSenior with LifeLoop—bringing together the strengths of two leading platforms to create a comprehensive solution for resident engagement.

Susan and Charles explore the transformative power of person-centered care, the dangers of chemical restraints, and the vital role of activity professionals in bringing meaning and joy to residents’ lives. He also reflects on the impact of the #ActivitiesStrong initiative, which offered free education and support to thousands of activity directors during a time of great need.

Looking ahead, Charles shares his vision for a future where senior living communities are affordable, desirable, and deeply human-centered—places where freedom, connection, and dignity are the standard, not the exception.

Explore the #ActivitiesStrong platform here: https://lifeloop.com/activities-strong

In today’s episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Deke Cateau, CEO of A.G. Rhodes, a nonprofit nursing and rehabilitation organization in metro Atlanta.

Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Deke’s path to long-term care was sparked by his wife’s encouragement and is sustained by his deep belief in the power of family and person-centered care.

Deke offers a behind-the-scenes look at A.G. Rhodes, which serves 1,300 eldersannually. Listeners will learn about A.G. Rhodes’ innovative programs, including its small house model—designed to create intimate, elder-centered living environments—and its intergenerational initiatives that bring older and younger generations together in meaningful ways.

Deke also highlights AG Rhodes’ successful staffing agency, which ensures consistent, quality care, and ongoing research collaborations with Georgia State and Georgia Tech exploring the impact of music and horticultural therapy on resident wellbeing.

The conversation digs into pressing policy and funding issues, including the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts on long-term care providers. Deke urges policymakers to reimagine Medicaid reimbursement structures, tying payments to quality outcomes rather than physical facilities.

Looking ahead, Deke envisions eldercare that is fully integrated into the fabric of communities—much like childcare or schools—where intergenerational programs, dementia-friendly communities, and the longevity economy take center stage.

His message is both practical and inspiring: we must all prepare for our own futures by engaging in advocacy, supporting innovation, and reframing how society values and supports older adults.

Learn more about A.G. Rhodes here: https://www.agrhodes.org