From ‘MeSearch’ to Meaningful Change: Lessons from the Eden Alternative Conference
- Carrie Leljedal
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
In March 2026, leaders, advocates, and innovators gathered in Atlanta, Georgia for the Eden Alternative Conference—a space dedicated to reimagining aging and long-term care.
From March 9th through the 12th, the conference challenged attendees to move beyond traditional models of care and toward something more human: connection, belonging, and purpose.
Starting with Transformation: Connected Communities Pre-Conference
Before the official opening, Connected Communities hosted a four-and-a-half-hour deep dive into what it truly takes to transform long-term care.
Participants explored how to build Connected Communities from the ground up—or how to begin shifting culture within existing homes.
The message was clear:Transformation doesn’t start with policy. It starts with people.
From empowering staff to elevating resident voices in governance, the session emphasized that meaningful change happens when:
Residents are active decision-makers
Staff are engaged and supported
Community is intentionally built—not left to chance
From Research to “MeSearch”: Understanding Trauma to Transform Care
The opening session, led by Jean Harnett, set a powerful tone. (1)
Trauma-informed care is often discussed in relation to residents—but this session expanded that lens in a critical way.
Trauma exists everywhere:
In the lived experiences of residents
In the personal histories of staff
In the daily interactions that can unknowingly trigger emotional responses
The question becomes:How do we create environments where everyone is mindful of each other’s experiences—and actively works not to cause harm?
“MeSearch” challenges each of us to look inward:
What do I bring into this space?
How might my reactions affect others?
Transforming care begins with self-awareness.
Serious Play: Reimagining Memory Care: James York James (JP), a LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator
One of the most creative sessions explored the use of Legos in memory care, led by James York of the 2054 Institute. (2)
Participants were asked to build something from their childhood using large, safety-conscious Lego blocks. What followed was remarkable stories surfaced, memories returned, and connections formed.
This simple tool supports:
Dexterity and motor skills
Memory recall
Emotional expression
Identity and storytelling
It’s a powerful reminder that meaningful engagement doesn’t have to be clinical—it can be creative, joyful, and deeply human.
The Power of Belonging: Community-Based Dementia Support
Daphne Johnson, Founder CEO of Respite for All (3), shared a model that redefines what dementia support can look like.
Using underutilized community spaces—often churches—her programs create volunteer-led respite environments that are:
Social, not medical
Fully immersive and participatory
Built on shared experience
With over 65 programs nationwide, these spaces blur the lines between volunteer and participant in a way that fosters true belonging.
You don’t walk into a room and see “patients.”You see people—engaged, contributing, and connected.
Investing in Staff to Transform Care: The A.G. Rhodes Story
Deke Cateau, President & CEO of A.G. Rhodes—one of the oldest nursing home organizations in the country, founded in 1904—shared what it takes to sustain and evolve care through even the most difficult times. (4)
His message was both practical and deeply human:If we want better care, we must invest in the people providing it.
Through the challenges of the pandemic, A.G. Rhodes focused on:
Supporting and respecting staff
Creating clear pathways for career advancement
Offering educational opportunities that empower long-term growth
At the same time, they are reimagining physical spaces to match their values.
New developments include:
Private rooms and private bathrooms
Small-house models that foster community and dignity
With plans to expand these models across more locations, A.G. Rhodes is demonstrating that culture change must be supported by both people and environment.
A Powerful Closing: Living Fully at Every Age
The conference closed with something truly unforgettable.
Dr. Sandra Hazelip M.D. (Sandy) and Eleanor Hamby( Ellie)—known as the Traveling Nanas—took the stage to share their journey of traveling the world together in their 80s. (5)
At 84 years old, these two best friends have:
Traveled around the world in 80 days
Visited places from Russia to Thailand to the Grand Canyon
Continued to explore the world on a modest budget, averaging just $54 per night for accommodations
But their message went far beyond travel.
By choosing to travel independently—rather than through structured tours—they’ve immersed themselves in local cultures, formed meaningful connections, and embraced the unexpected.
Their story is a powerful reminder:Life does not stop with age. It expands—if we let it.
And yet, one of the most powerful moments of the conference didn’t happen in a session at all. On the final night, I had the true honor of sharing dinner with Sandy, Ellie and my dear friend Sister Imelda. I couldn’t even tell you what I ate—but I can tell you it was one of the most meaningful and memorable social moments I’ve experienced in years. Sitting with these three remarkable women, all in their 80s, listening to stories of their lives, the paths they’ve walked, and the impact they’ve made, was inspiring in ways I didn’t even know were possible.
The Takeaway: A Call to Rethink Everything
Across every session, one truth became clear:
We cannot transform long-term care without transforming how we see one another.
Residents are not passive recipients, they are individuals with voices, preferences, and power
Staff are not just workers—they are the foundation of care and must be supported as such
Community is not optional, it is essential
Aging is not decline—it is continued growth, connection, and possibility
This is not just about improving systems.
It is about restoring dignity.Rebuilding connection.And reimagining what it means to live well—at every age
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(2) Read more about this concept here: https://immanuel.com/blog/lego-therapy-memory-care-immanuel?utm_source=chatgpt.com
