The 2025 Center for Innovation Conference registration has launched! And in today’s episode, Susan Ryan talks with Joan Divine and Marla DeVries about what’s in store for this auspicious event, scheduled for August 11 to 14 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Hosted by The Green House Project and Pioneer Network, this event marks a significant gathering for those committed to transforming eldercare.​

In addition to a discussion about the theme of “Mobilize the Movement,” some episode highlights include the following:

Link to conference website : CFI2025.org

Link to conference agenda: https://cfi2025.org/program/

Link to conference registration: https://cfi2025.org/sign-up/

In this week’s episode, Susan Ryan sits down with Dr. Carol McKinley, president and CEO of Simpson, a senior living community in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

Carol shares her journey of more than 35 years in eldercare, and how early interactions with her grandmother and father's ministry work inspired her career in social work and geriatrics.

In addition to emphasizing the importance of listening to older adults and integrating their needs into care plans, Carol discussed future advancements in home-based technology to support aging in place and reducing workforce strain.

Carol urged embracing technology and innovation to enhance caregiving, and Simpson’s use of the innovative Amba program to monitor residents' wellness and improve care efficiency.

Find more details about Simpson here:

Simpson Senior | Senior Living in Pennsylvania | Senior Living Community

Inspiration comes in many forms, but in the field of aging services it appears that it most often comes from one’s own experience with a loved one. Case in point: Jennifer Baker, policy director at the Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition, whose motivation to work in eldercare comes from early exposure to her great aunt and grandmother, both of whom had Alzheimer's disease.

Susan Ryan sits down with Baker for today’s episode to discuss her career journey,which included a pivotal fellowship that enabled her to live in an Alzheimer's home in South Africa. This, she says, shifted her perspective from viewing patients as victims to valuing their personhood.

Baker also highlights her work on the University of Nevada, Reno Sanford Center for Aging, including launching an AmeriCorps VISTA project and a walking program for people living with dementia.

In discussing the challenges of federal funding cuts and the impact on programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities, Baker reflects on the importance of advocating for programs that support community living and the potential consequences of premature nursing home placements.

For more information about the Moving Forward Coalition: https://movingforwardcoalition.org/