Host Susan Wallace sits down with Leilani Pelletier, Ohio's Long-Term Care Ombudsman, to explore the exciting changes with Ohio’s Ombudsman program and what it means to serve as a trusted voice for residents. Together, they reflect on the meaning of advocacy during Resident Rights Month and spotlight the newly launched Ohio Residents’ Rights Council, created to strengthen and elevate residents’ voices across the state. 

What’s PACE — the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly — who’s it for and why does Marcie Campbell love it so much? (Hint: hugs are involved) Join Susan Wallace and Marcie from Buckeye PACE for a fun and insightful chat about how this unique model of care helps Ohio’s seniors stay healthy, safe, and connected to their communities and how it's expanding across the state.

Recorded live at the 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show, this episode of Another Word for Living… brings you straight into the heart of the action with more than 400 colleagues and friends. Host Susan Wallace sits down with LeadingAge Ohio’s outgoing chair, Kristi Strawser, and incoming chair, Rick Marshall, for a thoughtful conversation about the past year’s milestones—PACE expansion, advocacy wins, stronger partnerships, and new member-focused programs—and a look at what’s ahead for the association’s future.

#LAO2025 #OlderOhioans #Seniors #Associations

Are Medicaid cuts going to lead to nursing home closures, or is the story more complicated? Join Susan Wallace in conversation with renowned researcher Bob Applebaum of Miami University’s Scripps Gerontology Center as they unpack a recent study on the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on nursing homes nationwide. Bob also sheds light on broader long-term care trends and clears up some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding nursing homes.

#nursinghomes #BBB #bigbeautifulbill #medicaid #ohio #longtermcare

As the national conversation around immigration intensifies, aging services providers are asking: What does this mean for our workforce? In this episode of Another Word for Living..., host Susan Wallace sits down with Amanda Mead, Director of Workforce Policy at LeadingAge, to unpack the intersection of immigration policy and workforce development. Together, they explore the current landscape, what’s on the horizon, and the critical resources available to help providers navigate change and support a diverse, sustainable workforce.

Tune in to gain timely insights and practical takeaways for your organization.

Resources: 

LeadingAge Immigration Enforcement Preparedness Guide

American Immigration Lawyers Association online directory

Department of Justice pro bono list

LeadingAge's weekly Policy Pulse

#immigration #workforce #agingservices #ohioworkforce #ohioimmigration #ohioaging #nursinghomes #assistedliving #hospice

Are you senior living leader trying to wrap your mind around the upcoming transition? Or trying to figure out how to explain the transition– and its impact on your budget– to your Board of Directors? 

In this month’s 30-minute episode of LeadingAge Ohio’s podcast, Another Word For Living…, host Susan Wallace sits down with Stephanie DeWees—LeadingAge Ohio’s Quality and Regulatory Specialist for Long-term Care—to unpack Ohio’s shift to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). This episode is a “101” on Medicaid case mix, geared to succinctly explaining what case mix is, why we need it, and what your organization needs to do to prepare, to the complete novice. 

From the foundational concepts to the more complex regulatory changes, Stephanie breaks it all down in a clear, practical way. DeWees also highlights valuable resources and upcoming education from LeadingAge Ohio designed to support your organization through this important transition.

In the finale episode of our series honoring Older Americans Month, host Susan Wallace sits down with remarkable resident Sister Pat Hayden, who resides at the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity. Adopted in Canada alongside her "twin" brother by a military family, Sister Pat’s life is a powerful story of resilience and leadership.

From overcoming personal tragedy to serving on the frontlines of historic moments—including her presence at Columbine, the site of the first mass school shooting—Sister Pat has lived a life marked by service and strength. A life-altering health scare led her to the sisterhood with a realization that, "If I don't walk with Christ, I'll never walk again."

Her ministry would span roles as a teacher, chaplain, and hospital executive, each chapter shaped by purpose and compassion. Don’t miss this moving conversation with a truly remarkable woman.

 At 96 years young, Jack Scott—a remarkable resident at Eastern Star Home—sits down with host Susan Wallace to reflect on a notable life shaped by war, love, and purpose, as the next episode celebrating Older Americans Month. Growing up during wartime in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Jack shares how a twist of fate (a request to pick up his friend's recent ex-girlfriend) led him to meet his beloved wife. From his time in the Air Force to his impactful career as an industrial arts teacher, Jack’s journey is filled with insight, humor, and heart. He also passes along some of the mottos that have guided him through life, including a favorite: "Pray like it depends on God, and work like it depends on Jack.

Join host Susan Wallace as she explores the remarkable life of Rohini Mulchandani—a woman whose journey spans continents, careers, and causes. Though she now calls Friendship Village of Dublin home, Rohini’s story begins in an idyllic town in India. Her pursuit of higher education in Food Technology brought her to the U.S., where she went on to have a distinguished career at Ross Labs/Abbott Nutrition. If you've ever used Similac or Ensure, you've experienced the impact of her work firsthand. After retiring early, Rohini successfully ventured into entrepreneurship and continues to give back through her philanthropic efforts. Tune in to hear about her inspiring path, the values that guide her, and the legacy she’s building.

Born during the Great Depression and diagnosed with polio at just 7 years old, Dr. Bea Lampkin has never let adversity slow her down. Her unstoppable spirit led her to a groundbreaking career in medicine, where she became a renowned hematologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In this inspiring episode, hear Dr. Bea’s extraordinary story of resilience, discovery, and reinvention—and find out how you can be part of her latest passion project: making music with her band!