In this episode of Compassion and Courage, Marcus speaks with Susan Ryan, CEO of the Center for Innovation, about transforming elder care through compassion and person-centered practices. They discuss the importance of deinstitutionalizing care environments, teaching compassionate behaviors, and the impact of meaningful relationships on the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. Susan shares inspiring real-world examples of how innovative models, like the greenhouse model, are changing the landscape of elder care, emphasizing the need for love and respect in all interactions.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/ 
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanryan2018/ 
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/ 
• Learn more about Center for Innovation: https://www.aginginnovation.org 
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More about Susan Ryan, RN, MA:
Susan Ryan serves as CEO of the Center for Innovation, the non-profit organization of The Green House Project and Pioneer Network, leading the organization on its mission to fundamentally transform eldercare in America and around the world. As a member of the Green House team since 2008, Ryan has become an internationally recognized leader in long-term care reform – with a particular focus on the organization’s vision for small-home eldercare campuses that provide person-directed alternatives to traditional nursing homes. At CFI, she works to create a future where every elder receives high-quality, person-directed living in the setting of their choice.

Date: 5/5/2025 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 167 - The Joy of Knowing Another Person Deeply with Susan Ryan

keywords
elder care, compassionate communication, nursing, healthcare innovation, person-centered care, aging population, greenhouse model, meaningful relationships, caregiving, resilience