Experts

Ed McMahon, Ph.D.

National Director of Alzheimer’s Care/Quality of Life
Golden Living

Dr. Ed McMahon contracts as the National Director of Alzheimer’s Care and Quality of Life for Golden Living. In this capacity he focuses on program development and the education of those involved in providing care directly to our residents in Alzheimer’s Care Units, as well as the entire resident population with regard to quality of life. He also coordinates efforts to transform the culture of long term care aligned with the philosophy of the Pioneer Network and the Culture Change movement, focusing on person-centered care.   Dr. McMahon began working with Golden Living in January of 2000. 

Dr. McMahon began his career in long-term care as a nursing assistant on the night shift while he was finishing his doctoral studies.  McMahon says, “I fell in love with the residents, especially those with impaired thinking and cognition. I thought I was going to return to my teaching career.” He has 31 years experience in the long term care profession in Alzheimer’s care development, research and development, sales and marketing, and operations. He was CEO of a long term care company in California.

Dr. McMahon was a pioneer in the development of special care units within the skilled nursing facility.  He designed and developed the first Alzheimer’s Care Unit within a skilled nursing facility in the state of California.  He is a much sought after speaker for national, state and local associations and has frequently been asked to key note conferences with a focus on quality of life issues for our elders.

Dr. McMahon says, “What has kept me in this industry for so long is the ability to impact the quality of life for so many residents. My favorite times are those spent in our living centers interacting with our residents. Each resident is a unique human being that continues to have the ability and desire to give as well as to receive and they give me and our staff so much.” 

Dr. McMahon is a clinical psychologist and has degrees in modern languages and Asian history. He is also a licensed nursing home administrator.  He has studied at Seton Hall University, the University of Madrid, Stanford University and Psychological Studies Institute.