Elevate Eldercare

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

In today's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Ben Veghte, director the WA Cares Fund, a state-run entity that provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available to eligible individuals. when they need them.

Ben shares his inspiring journey from studying capitalism and social justice in Germany to directing the Fund. He and Susan explore why integrating housing, healthcare, and community is essential for aging with dignity, and he highlights the influence of the Dutch model—which prioritizes person-centered care, affordable housing, and strong community supports.

As a first-of-its-kind program, the WA Cares Fund will provide $36,500 toward long-term care needs, offering a critical resource for families navigating aging and caregiving.

Veghte emphasizes the need for multi-sector planning and grassroots involvement to meet the challenges of the coming age wave. His message is clear: preparing for the future of long-term care requires policy innovation, community engagement, and collective advocacy.

More information about the Fund here: https://wacaresfund.wa.gov

This podcast's producer, Center or Innovation, now has a new name: AgingIN. With a mission to be the catalyst for person-directed living and empowered cultures in the community of one's choice, AgingIN's rebrand and new strategic direction was ushered in through a partnership with 3rd3rd Marketing, a marketing firm that specializes in senior living.

In today's episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Cynthia Thurlow, founder of 3rd3rd. Inspired by personal experiences with her grandmother and father, Cynthia's journey into eldercare is deeply rooted in empathy, innovation, and a passion for improving lives.

Cynthia shares how 3rd3rd blends creative marketing strategies with radical transparency to help senior living organizations stand out and stay true to their mission. She takes us behind the scenes of the agency's recent collaboration with AgingIN, a rebrand that champions person-directed living, fresh insights, and consulting designed to elevate care.

From the origin of its name to the power of custom photography and explainer videos, Cynthia examines how marketing can drive real change in eldercare. She also paints a hopeful vision for the future—one of intergenerational communities, a focus on healthspan over lifespan, and senior living investments that directly improve the lives of older adults and care teams.

More information about 3rd3rd here: https://3rd3rd.com

Host Susan Ryan sits down with visionary eldercare advocate and Pioneer Network co-founder Barry Barkan for a profound conversation on reimagining aging and the transformative potential of community, spirit, and consciousness.

Barkan shares his journey from founding the Live Oak Institute to helping launch the Pioneer Network, driven by a belief that aging is not a problem to solve but a gift to elevate. He recounts his efforts to create a regenerative, inclusive community at the Jewish Home in Oakland—an idea that initially faced rejection but ultimately gained momentum and global influence, including a successful expansion into 15 homes in Israel.

But this conversation goes beyond history. Barry offers a deeply reflective vision for a paradigm shift—a movement from a worldview rooted in domination and separation to one grounded in interconnection, kindness, and sufficiency. He challenges listeners to see humanity as one living being, where every person and every creature matters.

Together, Susan and Barry explore the concept of "Elder Awesome" and moving beyond traditional notions of "elder care." They also discuss the "Tao of Blessings"—a personal path to leave grace in every encounter

Barkan offers his vision for communities and care environments rooted in equity, dignity, and accountability.

In this insightful conversation, host Susan Ryan sits down with senior living innovator Andy Carle, consultant and founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com.

Andy shares his personal journey into eldercare and the bold moves he's made to elevate the field, from founding a 70-community company to creating the first university-level curriculum for senior living executives.

Andy also dives into the concept of "nana technology"—his term for tech that supports aging with dignity—and explores the rise of University Retirement Communities (URCs), a model that merges lifelong learning with purposeful aging. He outlines the five essential criteria for certification and shares how URCs foster mutual benefit for both older adults and students through intergenerational connection, shared resources, and collaborative programming.

This episode takes a deep dive into what's possible when we stop settling for outdated models and start designing for a future that values older adults as engaged, capable, and vital members of society.

More information about URCs here: universityretirementcommunities.com

In this inspiring conversation, architect and eldercare innovator Jane Rohde shares her lifelong passion for community development and the power of person-centered care.

From her early days with Erickson Retirement Communities to founding JSR Associates and the nonprofit Live Together, Jane has remained committed to transforming aging services through relationship-based, sustainable models.

Susan Ryan sits down with Jane to discuss her experience working with The Green House Project and designing care systems in the U.S. and China. She also shares her vision for the future—leveraging AI and grassroots partnerships to create scalable, intergenerational communities that support vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.

Visit Live Together to learn more or explore ways to get involved: https://www.livetogethercommunity.org/

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Susan Ryan welcomes 99-year-old Peg McLaughlin and her daughter Marguerite for a moving conversation about Peg's extraordinary life. A lifelong nurse, mother of five, and dedicated community volunteer, Peg shares stories from her upbringing in Providence, R.I., her career in obstetrics and pediatrics, and decades of service to others—whether through scouting, church ministries, or her local food bank.

Now living in assisted living after having given up driving at age 98, Peg reflects on adjusting to a new chapter of life, maintaining her faith and independence, and finding purpose through connection, compassion, and resilience. Margie offers loving insights into her mother's unwavering generosity and quiet impact on those around her.

Some of Peg's words of wisdom:

Together, their reflections offer a beautiful portrait of aging, humor, and heart.