Eldercare Quest 2025
Introducing Eldercare Quest 2025, where I will be traveling 10,000 miles across the U.S. to find and share great things happening in nursing homes, memory care, home care and more. Please join me on the quest!. Where have you seen greatness? Where should we visit and why?
Founder Barbara Infante with her Husband traveling the country in her camper!
Why Eldercare Quest 2025?
While there are many opportunities to improve the current system of care for our elders, there are also great things happening all around us, and great people who are making a difference. What are these great things? Who are these great people? Let's find them and meet them together!
What is Eldercare Quest 2025?
A 10,000 mile, coast to coast journey across the U.S. and back again, seeking out wonderful things happening in long-term care for our elders, and their residents. The goal is to visit homes in over a dozen states including traditional nursing care, small homes, Eden, and Green House models to see what brings caregivers and residents the most dignity, purpose and fulfillment and meeting the thought leaders making great things happen.
The Audacious Goal?
Spark a national conversation about eldercare by highlighting best practices already serving our communities and the heroes who are making a difference and shaping the future. Together we can make a difference in improving the system of care for our elders.
What Types of Best Practices are We Looking For?
Anything serving our elders in an innovative or positive way: empowered and engaged elders and caregiver teams, culture change in action, collaboration and more. Seeking to highlight people, practices and places enabling elders to live and grow with dignity, purpose, and fulfillment.
What else do We Hope to Learn?
What are the biggest challenges, and how can we overcome them?
If we could wave a magic wand, what would we change?
What are some innovative activities happening in senior living and which is the most popular across the entire U.S.?
Eldercare Quest #1 (1/3/25)
Hi, I’m Barb Infante with Agile Aging, where we focus on improving nursing homes and long-term care through process excellence and shared learning. 🚐 Welcome to Day 1 of Eldercare Quest 2025! This 10,000-mile journey is all about visiting care facilities across the U.S. to discover and share innovative ideas that can transform eldercare.
Today started early on the East Coast with plans to head through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, but severe winter storms forced a major route change. ❄️ Now, after covering over 500 miles, I’m safely in snowy Virginia and ready to continue the adventure.
Join me as I explore care communities, meet amazing people, and highlight practices we can all learn from. Let’s spark a national conversation about improving care for our loved ones. 💙 Don’t forget to follow along, share your thoughts, and join the movement!
Eldercare Quest #2 (1/6/25)
Hi everyone! Today, I covered 360 miles and visited three inspiring eldercare homes in Tennessee, ending the day in vibrant Nashville. 🎸 Along the way, I’ve been gathering incredible ideas and stories that highlight the creativity and care happening in eldercare. With storms in Kansas forcing a route adjustment, I’m reminded that flexibility is key on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue westward! 🚗🐾
Eldercare Quest #3 (1/8/25)
Greetings from Fort Smith, Arkansas! 🚗✨ On Day 3 of my 10,000-mile journey, I’m reflecting on an inspiring visit to a home in Mississippi, where I discovered some incredible ideas I’ll share soon. This quest is all about highlighting the best practices in eldercare and celebrating the heroes who make a difference every day.
Eldercare Quest #4 (1/9/25)
Greetings from Washita Battlefield National Historic Site! 🏞️✨ On Day 4 of my journey, I’ve had the chance to soak in the beauty and history of this remarkable place. Camping here with my trusty teardrop trailer and loyal pup has provided a peaceful moment to reflect on the incredible ideas already coming in from all of you—thank you! 💡 Keep sharing; I can’t wait to collect and share them soon.
Eldercare Quest #5 (1/11/25)
Day 5 of the journey brought an unexpected challenge as a major snowstorm halted progress in Amarillo, Texas. While waiting out the storm, I’ve been reflecting on insights shared by senior living professionals and thinking about how to better communicate our mission. Sometimes the journey pauses, but the learning continues. Stay tuned for updates as the adventure unfolds!
Eldercare Quest #6 (1/12/25)
The snowstorm in Amarillo, Texas, continues to delay the journey as high winds and freezing temperatures created challenging conditions. After waking to a frozen door, I had to use an electric heater to thaw the lock and clear the snow drift outside the camper. With the interstate still closed, I’m waiting for safer conditions to resume traveling.
Eldercare Quest #7 (1/16/25)
In senior living communities, animals like cats, birds, and fish are providing residents with joy and fulfillment. These interactions offer companionship and opportunities for mindfulness, fostering a deeper sense of connection and well-being. Simple acts of animal therapy are making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
Eldercare Quest #8 (1/19/25)
Hello from Lake Havasu, Arizona—where there’s a lake in the middle of the desert! Today’s focus is on bringing back birthday joy for seniors on soft diets. By creating festive, pre-prepared desserts like whipped treats with candles, we can ensure that every birthday feels special and dignified.
Eldercare Quest #9 (1/20/25)
Lake Havasu City, Arizona—home of the historic London Bridge! Today’s topic is Memory Boxes, a meaningful tool for seniors in assisted living, memory care, or at home. These personalized collections spark joy, strengthen identity, and support cognitive health, making transitions easier and more comforting.
Eldercare Quest #10 (1/21/25)
Made it to California and reached the 3,100-mile mark of my journey, appreciating the beauty of outdoor spaces in senior living communities. From gazebos to basketball hoops, these thoughtful environments highlight the importance of access to nature for joy and well-being in eldercare settings.
Eldercare Quest #11 (1/23/25)
Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents in senior living communities. From leading activities to offering companionship, their time and presence help combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections, making a lasting impact on both residents and the community.
Eldercare Quest #12 (1/25/25)
While visiting the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site in Gila Bend, AZ, I was struck by the timeless beauty of art created over 12,000 years ago. It reminded me of a wonderful Paint & Sip activity in a senior living community, where residents created stunning watercolors that celebrated the joy of creativity and lifelong learning.
Eldercare Quest #13 (1/26/25)
During my visit to a small home senior living community, I witnessed residents and care partners sharing meals, laughter, and heartfelt connections in a cozy, family-like setting. The care partners’ genuine joy and dedication to treating residents like family left a lasting impression on me.
Eldercare Quest #14 (1/30/25)
Hiking the Grand Canyon made me reflect on mobility challenges and how difficult it can be to buy or sell used mobility equipment without a license. Too often, these essential tools go to waste instead of reaching those who need them most. I’ve had two personal experiences where this was a challenge—if there’s a better way to ensure these items find the right home, I’d love to hear about it.
Eldercare Quest #15 (2/1/25)
Visiting Saguaro National Park, I was struck by how these towering cacti thrive through resilience and adaptation—much like senior living communities that continuously improve their processes to better serve residents. At Agile Aging, we help communities enhance efficiency, consistency, and overall care quality through thoughtful process improvements. Whether in daily operations or long-term planning, small changes can make a big impact.
Eldercare Quest #16 (2/3/25)
In the heart of New Mexico, White Sands National Park offers a peaceful, otherworldly landscape that feels like a beach in the desert. This serene environment is a reminder of the importance of calm and dignity in senior living communities—where respect, quiet, and a true sense of home make all the difference. Too many facilities are filled with unnecessary noise and disruptions, but the best ones prioritize comfort and well-being, allowing residents to rest and live with dignity.
Eldercare Quest #17 (2/5/25)
In Roswell, New Mexico, home of the International UFO Museum, I encountered something just as surprising as the stories of the 1947 crash—a live rock band in a senior living community. Residents, both on their feet and in wheelchairs, were dancing and fully immersed in the music, proving that joy and energy have no age limit. In another community, five pianos filled the space with beautiful melodies, highlighting how music continues to inspire and connect people at every stage of life.
Eldercare Quest #18 (2/7/25)
Driving across the southern plains in winter, the landscape is a little brown—but it has me thinking about the beautiful green spaces I’ve seen in senior living communities.
Eldercare Quest #19 (2/10/25)
Buc-ee’s is more than just a gas station—it’s a full experience with fresh barbecue, house-made beef jerky, and an entire sweets bar. It reminded me of the incredible outings I’ve seen in senior living, from trips to Disney to spontaneous music-filled bus rides. These experiences bring joy and connection, reinforcing the power of adventure at any age. What are some of the best outings you’ve seen in senior communities?
Eldercare Quest #20 (2/11/25)
We’ve reached the Mississippi River, marking 6,000 miles on this journey to explore the best in eldercare across the country. From New Jersey to San Diego and now heading back east, I’ve met incredible people and seen inspiring innovations in senior living. With about 1,500 miles to go, I look forward to sharing more of what I’ve learned in the weeks ahead.
Eldercare Quest #21 (2/12/25)
Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a mix of history and innovation in senior living. From pet-friendly communities and art studios to horticultural spaces where residents create their own bouquets, these homes provide unique and meaningful experiences. Virtual programming also extends their impact beyond the community, showcasing new ways to engage and connect.
Eldercare Quest #22 (2/14/25)
Part one of Eldercare Quest 2025 is complete after 7,300 miles across 16 states, visiting dozens of senior living communities. We saw inspiring caregiving and innovative practices, but also encountered senior living deserts where options are limited, and some facilities faced serious challenges. As we plan the next steps, we’ll continue sharing insights, highlighting best practices, and advocating for better eldercare nationwide.
Eldercare Quest #23 (2/16/25)
Traveling across the country in my NuCamp Tab 320 Clamshell has been an adventure, with both challenges and rewarding moments. Early on, my heater failed, but thanks to Blue Compass RV, I was able to get it checked for a propane leak. An unexpected ice storm even trapped me inside the camper, but the journey has been worth it—meeting incredible people, seeing senior living communities in action, and receiving heartwarming videos of seniors learning, living, and thriving.
Eldercare Quest #24 (2/17/25)
Seniors bring a lifetime of experience into their communities, and when they lead activities, it fosters purpose, joy, and connection. From art and Bible study to grief-sharing groups and making sandwiches for a sports team, these resident-led initiatives create meaningful engagement. Encouraging seniors to share their talents enriches the entire community.
Eldercare Quest #25 (2/18/25)
As we wrap up the first leg of our Eldercare Quest, we’ve seen inspiring examples of senior living done right. From live music and dancing to thoughtful design choices like personalized mailboxes, green sunrooms, and excellent lighting, these elements create environments where seniors can truly thrive. The small home model and person-directed care continue to show promise, and across the country, one activity remains a favorite—Bingo.
Eldercare Quest #26 (2/23/25)
The first leg of Eldercare Quest 2025 has been an incredible journey, filled with inspiring senior living communities and breathtaking landscapes. From Montezuma’s Castle and White Sands National Park to the Grand Canyon and the California coast, we’ve explored both innovative eldercare practices and the beauty of the road. Along the way, we’ve met wonderful people, reconnected with old friends, and seen firsthand how small changes—like excellent lighting, green sunrooms, and person-directed care—can transform senior living. More to come as the journey continues. Stay tuned!
Eldercare Quest #27 (3/2/25)
At the Altoona, Pennsylvania RV Show, the abundance of choices sparked a reflection on decision-making in senior living. From meal times to clothing, social interactions, and daily routines, how much autonomy do seniors truly have? Innovative senior living communities are finding ways to empower residents with more choices—what examples have you seen that stand out?
Eldercare Quest #28 (3/8/25)
Artwork in senior living communities is more than decoration—it serves as a tool for way-finding, calming, and enhancing well-being. Thoughtful environmental design incorporates colors, textures, and nature-inspired imagery to create spaces that feel welcoming and familiar. From large murals that transform hallways to delicate floral arrangements that brighten dining areas, art plays a vital role in bringing joy and comfort to residents.
