Shaping The Future of Aging- The Eden Alternative Podcast

What happens when care teams let go of rigid routines and start saying “yes” to the moment? In this episode of the Eden Alternative podcast, we sit down with Gail Lancaster, who shares how bringing spontaneity into daily life has sparked connection, laughter, and renewed purpose in their community. From impromptu celebrations to unexpected acts of kindness, discover how creating space for the unplanned can lead to deeper relationships and a more vibrant care culture. Whether you're a leader, caregiver, or culture change advocate, this episode will inspire you to make room for the magic of the moment. 

Lori Seiders developed an interest in herbology as a part of her second wind in life. In this podcast she shares how her knowledge of herbs, and their varied uses, has evolved. As Lori says in the podcast, “Each herb is unique in how it nurtures the body, and it nurtures a body in different ways.” Herbology is also about more than how the herb affects the body. Herbology can be about the process of growing and harvesting the plants, alleviating helplessness. Herbology can be out the fragrances and flavors that they add to the environment and foods. Herbology can be about sharing stories of how people and culture have used herbs for various purposes, and in different ways, in their lives. Herbology is about strengthening physical health and well-being for all of us.

In this episode of Shaping the Future of Aging, Emily Connors sits down with Hannah and Tonja to explore how nursing homes can transform the way we honor elders at the end of life. Beyond routine rituals, their team has found meaningful ways to celebrate each person’s uniqueness, create space for shared grief, and strengthen community bonds. Listen in as they share practical strategies for involving residents, families, and care partners in remembrance, reflect on lessons learned, and discuss how small, thoughtful acts can make the end of life a time of love, connection, and celebration. Whether you work in long-term care or simply care about compassionate approaches to aging, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about grief, memory, and community. 

Volunteerism is not a ‘nice to have,’ it is essential! Listen in to this podcast to hear from Dr. Paul Falkowski, Founder and President of the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV). Learn how he got started as a volunteer, what he has learned in the last 30 years in that role, and how it has inspired him to grow volunteerism all across the country. You will hear anecdotal stories and research that demonstrate the emotional and physical benefits that volunteering brings to residents, their families, the volunteer, the employees and leaders of long-term care settings. The NALTCV has the resources you need to become a volunteer or to lay the foundation for a “wow” volunteer experience in your community.  

What happens when care teams let go of rigid routines and start saying “yes” to the moment? In this episode of the Eden Alternative podcast, we sit down with Gail Lancaster, who shares how bringing spontaneity into daily life has sparked connection, laughter, and renewed purpose in their community. From impromptu celebrations to unexpected acts of kindness, discover how creating space for the unplanned can lead to deeper relationships and a more vibrant care culture. Whether you're a leader, caregiver, or culture change advocate, this episode will inspire you to make room for the magic of the moment. 

Description: What if a simple song could unlock a person’s identity, joy, and connection to the world around them? In this episode, we explore the origin story of Music & Memory, a groundbreaking organization that has been reshaping dementia care since 2010. Justin shares how personalized music goes far beyond just entertainment—it's a powerful, evidence-based tool that helps reduce distress, boost mood, and spark meaningful engagement. We’ll dive into how care partners can uncover each person's musical history, why personalization matters so deeply, and what happens when someone living with dementia hears “their song” again. This episode will open your heart—and your mind. Looking to create a personalized music playlist for someone at home? Visit musicandmemory.org to get started with a helpful tool. 

Description: The MRC Creekside team wanted to make an impact in their larger community of Huntsville, TX. They came upon an idea that another organization was implementing called The Gathering Place. They learned and acquired the resources they needed. They reached out into the community and found a location and volunteers. Together they have created a gathering place of connections, love, growth, and an abundance of blessings to go around. Listen in to learn more about their story and how you might create a Gathering Place in your own community. 

Description: In this podcast Carmen Bowman, MHS, with Edu-Catering, speaks about the Dining Practice Standards. The conversation covers how the standards were developed, who was involved, and the focus of each standard. The goal of the Dining Practice Standards was to establish nationally agreed upon standards of practice supporting individualized choice and self‐directed living versus traditional diagnosis‐focused food options. Examples are shared of how organizations have changed their approach to dining and the difference it is making in the lives of Elders. 

Grancare Nursing Center in Green Bay, WI, knows how to create home. During this podcast you will get a glimpse of how they are turning what others might call a facility into true home for those who live and work there. This team has integrated the Eden Alternative Principles and Domains of Well-Being deep into systems, processes, practices, and education. That effort has shaped the culture of care in the home. It was not a process that happened overnight. It has taken time, commitment, and ongoing efforts to be successful. Tune in to learn more about their story.

In this episode, we sit down with Francina Russ, Deputy Director at Clairmont Place, as she shares the transformative impact of incorporating a well-being approach into the dining experience for elders and their care partners. Francina explains how the focus on holistic health—nourishing not only the body but also the mind and spirit—has reshaped mealtimes. She discusses the innovative changes in dining that prioritize connection, choice, and joy, and how this shift has enhanced the overall quality of life for residents and care partners alike. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how a mindful approach to food can make a world of difference.