Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Brodhead, KY, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on November 9, 2015. They are home to 104 Elders, some of which come in only for a short time to receive rehabilitation services. In order to
The Arbor’s of Del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on October 27, 2015. When you come into this beautiful Southern New Mexico home you will find 24 Elders thriving and enjoying the natural rhythm
A Peep Show! Yes, a Peep Show that even made the front page of their local newspaper. We have it on good authority from Sandra, an Elder at Denali Center, that they hosted a Peep Show this week. Every one
Traceway Retirement Community is an Eden Registry Member in Tupelo, MS. Their employees unite with the larger community to help show their Eden Alternative journey, not just talk about it. Not only do they work to eliminate the three plagues
This copy was originally posted as a Guest Column on McKnight’s Long Term Care News A student preparing her master’s thesis in healthcare management recently asked me, “Why aren’t more organizations doing The Eden Alternative or something like it?” From
As a native Tennessean, you can imagine my excitement when we named Nashville the host city for the 7th Eden Alternative International Conference. There’s something captivating about Nashville, bursting with culture, history and Southern charm. You’ll find artisans here rooted
The culture change movement is doing incredible things in elder care and telling our stories, thanks to the power of blogs and social media, and believe it or not, The Eden Alternative is not the only one out there writing
The Story: A care facility in crisis. Back in 2011 the Department of Social Development, Western Cape, took control and placed the facility under the full administration of GERATEC. Areas that needed to be tackled in the transformation include but
These hospitals are being penalized based on their 30-day readmission rates and so far the fines have added up to about $280 million. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It is time for Eldercare organizations across the care
Last week, the first of three multi-day events took place in Nashville, TN, focusing on the reduction of anti-psychotic drugs (see Chris Perna’s recent post for the details). This collaboration between The Eden Alternative and the Tennessee Department of Health,
This past month, The Eden Alternative added Pinnacle Quality Insight® to its growing list of value-added partners. Pinnacle offers customer satisfaction measurement to senior care providers. Their feedback process is based on the idea that healthcare should be evaluated just
A press release issued today by the Tennessee Department of Health states that the Office of Health Care Facilities has secured a CMP grant totaling more than $370,000 to provide training for 749 people including nursing home direct care staff members,
On September 26, 2012, culture change advocates from around the world gathered in Reykjavik, Iceland to listen to presentations about The Eden Alternative. They shared the challenges they face in bringing culture change to long-term care settings and amazing success
At the Eden Alternative we’ve known about the plague of loneliness for a long time. We teach about loneliness, helplessness, and boredom, the three plagues of the human spirit, and the negative effects they can have on Elders and their
The 6th Eden Alternative International Conference kicked-off in Grand Rapids, Mich., May 31 with an exciting surprise announcement that The Eden Alternative has acquired The Wellspring Program for culture change from LifeSpan Network based in Columbia, Maryland. The Wellspring Program is
The Eden Alternative invites you to join us virtually at the 6th Eden Alternative International Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., via livestreaming video and live chat May 30-31 featuring keynote speaker Dr. Bill Thomas and other leading figures from the culture change community broadcast live at www.EdenAlt.org. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join the conversation via social media and be part of an international collaboration of people and organizations working to make a better world for Elders.
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
National Nursing Home Week is a time to spotlight care partners (Elders, employees and family members) connected with long-term living environments across the country. The brave pioneers who have transformed the traditional into the extraordinary through a commitment to person-directed
On March 12, 2012, Dr. Bill Thomas and 186 culture change advocates gathered at the The Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas to share in a movement to transform the culture of care regardless of where people live. The day was filled
Nationally-acclaimed writer and speaker Connie Goldman will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 6th Eden Alternative International Conference, May 30-June 1, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. An award-winning National Public Radio producer and the author of six books, Ms. Goldman
Are we finally getting more comfortable going outside the box to deliver dignified care? Anne-Marie Botek at AgingCare.com recently explored concepts like dementia towns, Green Houses, Villages, and The Eden Alternative. She made the point that putting people first sometimes means doing some unconventional
Eden Alternative registered Hanford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in California is partnering with the local SPCA for an innovative adoption program designed to improve the lives of both elders and aging pets.
When you think of culture change in long term care you usually think of efforts to deinstitutionalize big nursing homes, not private homes. After all, if The Eden Alternative® and The Green House® Project models are designed to make long-term-care
The Forum in North Dakota reports that Eden registered Elim Care Center in Fargo broke ground this week in a major $7 million renovation and expansion of their facility that will create 20 private single-occupancy rooms and make rehabilitation services more accessible and person-centered.
The state of Arkansas is taking a leadership role in the culture change movement with an innovative program designed to bring the best concepts from the Eden Alternative, Green House Project and Pioneer Network and other culture change philosophies to nursing homes
Marla Devries of Mission Health Services in Utah was featured this week on KSL TV’s Studio 5 health and wellness program discussing the Eden Alternative’s principles of care. Mission Health Services is a community-based non-profit organization providing services across Utah’s
Don’t miss Dr. Al Power’s latest article on Intentional Communities to be published in September’s issue of Aging Today. Follow the link to read the full article at Dr. Al Power’s blog. Intentional communities can prevent institutional angst, connect generations
The Eden Alternative blog commends reporter John Darling for leading a news story on Eden Alternative registered home Roxy Ann Memory Community with this simple but powerful pro-aging statement.
What we need is a radical reinterpretation of longevity that makes elders (and their needs) central to our collective pursuit of happiness and well-being. We have no word that describes the value of intergenerational interdependence, of living in a multigenerational
An Eden Alternative registered facility in Oakland, Calif., has launched a research-based cultural sensitivity initiative targeting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders receiving skilled nursing and long-term care, the Bay Area Reporter reportered this week. Raising awareness of LGBT
The Eden Alternative is thriving in Australia and DutchCare, the first nursing home facility Down Under to be endorsed in all 10 Eden Alternative principles, is gaining accolades for its commitment to empowering front-line staff. Australia’s leading long-term care magazine
Are you new to the Eden Alternative? Check out this introductory overview of the Eden philosophy and model in action from an independent caregiving expert. Earlier this week the radio program “Transition Aging Parents” with Dale Carter broadcast an episode
Earlier this week we blogged about Community Place, a non-profit Eden Alternative nursing home in Jackson, Miss., breaking ground tomorrow in a major development to completely relocate their facility onto an innovative 22-acre campus of cottages, assisted and independent living complexes
Community Place in Jackson, Miss., breaks ground this Friday in a ceremony culminating seven years of work to relocate and transform the non-profit nursing home into an innovative 22-acre campus of cottages, assisted and independent living complexes and skilled nursing
The press leads with this… Beeping call bells, medication carts, rigid meal times and other elements of traditional nursing homes have been scrapped on the 13th floor of The Cunningham nursing home in Syracuse. The changes are all part of
Two of the culture change movement’s most respected leaders — Eden Mentor Dr. Al Power and environmental gerontologist Emi Kiyota — have been awarded an exciting residency in Italy to work on community-based “Innovative Responses to Global Aging.” Dr. Power
From the ChangingAging Blogstream: The negotiations in Washington over raising the federal debt limit are going down to the wire this month with potentially drastic budget cuts to programs that protect and serve older adults on the negotiation table. Leaders
The UK-based Accord Housing Association is reporting a dramatic fall in the number of residents being prescribed psycotropic drugs from 47% to just 2% since adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy. The association conducted a trial study to reduce the use of
Please join “Transition Aging Parents” radio host Dale Carter for an upcoming broadcast focused on the Eden Alternative featuring Holly Whiteside, author of the “The Caregiver’s Compass. Dale and Holly will explore the benefits and principles of the Eden Alternative
The parts of Japan impacted by the tsunami are still reeling from the devastation, including the destruction of more than half of the elder care facilities in the affected ares. In sympathy, elders from St. John’s Home in Rochester, NY made
Eden Alternative Registered St. John’s Living Center in Jackson, Wyo., was honored this week at the Governor’s Summit on Workforce Solutions with the Innovation in the Workplace Award. St. John’s was selected by the Wyoming Workforce Development Council for practicing
Published June 3 in the San Francisco Chronicle Opinion section: I am a rare breed of physician who specializes in the care of older people – a geriatrician. More than 30,000 geriatricians are needed to care for America’s coming age
Eden Alternative founder Dr. Bill Thomas makes his TEDx debut Saturday, June 4, and you can watch it live via streaming video from the TEDxSF Alive! Maximum Living as a Human event in San Francisco. Live streaming video will begin
The Eden Alternative offers congratulations to the Pioneer Network in appointing Dr. Peter Reed as their new executive director. Reed, who most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Health Improvement, takes over from former
Eden Alternative member Elim Rehab and Care Center in Fargo, N.D., broke ground this week on a major $7 million expansion to create 20 new rooms plus dining and activity spaces. The new expansion and construction aren’t the only changes
For the past couple of years I have been working on reforming the hospital emergency department. Friends of Eden will recognize many of the basic features of the Senior ER. We optimize the physical environment to meet the needs of
Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation Joins the Eden Registry
Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Brodhead, KY, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on November 9, 2015. They are home to 104 Elders, some of which come in only for a short time to receive rehabilitation services. In order to
Welcome The Arbors of Del Rey to the Eden Registry
The Arbor’s of Del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on October 27, 2015. When you come into this beautiful Southern New Mexico home you will find 24 Elders thriving and enjoying the natural rhythm
The Denali Center Peep Show!
A Peep Show! Yes, a Peep Show that even made the front page of their local newspaper. We have it on good authority from Sandra, an Elder at Denali Center, that they hosted a Peep Show this week. Every one
Eliminating the Three Plagues With Meals on Wheels
Traceway Retirement Community is an Eden Registry Member in Tupelo, MS. Their employees unite with the larger community to help show their Eden Alternative journey, not just talk about it. Not only do they work to eliminate the three plagues
Leadership and Execution: Keys to Culture Change
This copy was originally posted as a Guest Column on McKnight’s Long Term Care News A student preparing her master’s thesis in healthcare management recently asked me, “Why aren’t more organizations doing The Eden Alternative or something like it?” From
Nashville's High Notes
As a native Tennessean, you can imagine my excitement when we named Nashville the host city for the 7th Eden Alternative International Conference. There’s something captivating about Nashville, bursting with culture, history and Southern charm. You’ll find artisans here rooted
Arkansas Culture Change Blog Reminds Us That Perspective is Everything
The culture change movement is doing incredible things in elder care and telling our stories, thanks to the power of blogs and social media, and believe it or not, The Eden Alternative is not the only one out there writing
The Eden Alternative in South Africa
The Story: A care facility in crisis. Back in 2011 the Department of Social Development, Western Cape, took control and placed the facility under the full administration of GERATEC. Areas that needed to be tackled in the transformation include but
2217 Hospitals Penalized Since October 2012
These hospitals are being penalized based on their 30-day readmission rates and so far the fines have added up to about $280 million. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It is time for Eldercare organizations across the care
Tennessee Takes on Antipsychotic Drug Reduction
Last week, the first of three multi-day events took place in Nashville, TN, focusing on the reduction of anti-psychotic drugs (see Chris Perna’s recent post for the details). This collaboration between The Eden Alternative and the Tennessee Department of Health,
Pinnacle Quality Insight Becomes Eden Alternative Value-Added Partner
This past month, The Eden Alternative added Pinnacle Quality Insight® to its growing list of value-added partners. Pinnacle offers customer satisfaction measurement to senior care providers. Their feedback process is based on the idea that healthcare should be evaluated just
Eden Alternative Delivers Major Dementia Training Initiative in Tennessee
A press release issued today by the Tennessee Department of Health states that the Office of Health Care Facilities has secured a CMP grant totaling more than $370,000 to provide training for 749 people including nursing home direct care staff members,
International Change Agents Gather in Iceland
On September 26, 2012, culture change advocates from around the world gathered in Reykjavik, Iceland to listen to presentations about The Eden Alternative. They shared the challenges they face in bringing culture change to long-term care settings and amazing success
The Argument for Well-Being Through Culture Change
At the Eden Alternative we’ve known about the plague of loneliness for a long time. We teach about loneliness, helplessness, and boredom, the three plagues of the human spirit, and the negative effects they can have on Elders and their
The Wellspring Program Becomes Part of The Eden Alternative
The 6th Eden Alternative International Conference kicked-off in Grand Rapids, Mich., May 31 with an exciting surprise announcement that The Eden Alternative has acquired The Wellspring Program for culture change from LifeSpan Network based in Columbia, Maryland. The Wellspring Program is
Watch Livestream Video From The Eden Alternative International Conference
The Eden Alternative invites you to join us virtually at the 6th Eden Alternative International Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., via livestreaming video and live chat May 30-31 featuring keynote speaker Dr. Bill Thomas and other leading figures from the culture change community broadcast live at www.EdenAlt.org. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join the conversation via social media and be part of an international collaboration of people and organizations working to make a better world for Elders.
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Inspiring Stories for National Nursing Home Week: Part 5
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Inspiring Stories for National Nursing Home Week: Part 4
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Inspiring Stories for National Nursing Home Week: Part 3
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Inspiring Stories for National Nursing Home Week: Institution vs. Community
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Inspiring Stories for National Nursing Home Week: Part 2
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Inspiring Stories for National Nursing Home Week: Part 1
National Nursing Home Week is a time to celebrate all those that are making a positive difference in the lives of thousands by combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We invite you to add to the story, increasing the depth of
Brave Pioneers Create Centers of Growth: Celebrating the Journey During National Nursing Home Week
National Nursing Home Week is a time to spotlight care partners (Elders, employees and family members) connected with long-term living environments across the country. The brave pioneers who have transformed the traditional into the extraordinary through a commitment to person-directed
Culture Change is a Buzz in Texas
On March 12, 2012, Dr. Bill Thomas and 186 culture change advocates gathered at the The Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas to share in a movement to transform the culture of care regardless of where people live. The day was filled
Connie Goldman to Appear at the 6th Eden Alternative International Conference
Nationally-acclaimed writer and speaker Connie Goldman will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 6th Eden Alternative International Conference, May 30-June 1, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. An award-winning National Public Radio producer and the author of six books, Ms. Goldman
Next Generation of Long-Term Care: Personable and Person-Focused
Are we finally getting more comfortable going outside the box to deliver dignified care? Anne-Marie Botek at AgingCare.com recently explored concepts like dementia towns, Green Houses, Villages, and The Eden Alternative. She made the point that putting people first sometimes means doing some unconventional
Adoption Event Brings Aging Pets and Elders Together
Eden Alternative registered Hanford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in California is partnering with the local SPCA for an innovative adoption program designed to improve the lives of both elders and aging pets.
Eden at Home: Culture Change For Home Care
When you think of culture change in long term care you usually think of efforts to deinstitutionalize big nursing homes, not private homes. After all, if The Eden Alternative® and The Green House® Project models are designed to make long-term-care
Eden-Registered Elim Rehab in ND Undergoes $7 Million Renovation
The Forum in North Dakota reports that Eden registered Elim Care Center in Fargo broke ground this week in a major $7 million renovation and expansion of their facility that will create 20 private single-occupancy rooms and make rehabilitation services more accessible and person-centered.
Culture Change Comes to Arkansas
The state of Arkansas is taking a leadership role in the culture change movement with an innovative program designed to bring the best concepts from the Eden Alternative, Green House Project and Pioneer Network and other culture change philosophies to nursing homes
Mission Health Services Explains Eden Alternative To TV Audience
Marla Devries of Mission Health Services in Utah was featured this week on KSL TV’s Studio 5 health and wellness program discussing the Eden Alternative’s principles of care. Mission Health Services is a community-based non-profit organization providing services across Utah’s
Aging Today Features Dr. Al Power on Intentional Communities
Don’t miss Dr. Al Power’s latest article on Intentional Communities to be published in September’s issue of Aging Today. Follow the link to read the full article at Dr. Al Power’s blog. Intentional communities can prevent institutional angst, connect generations
Oregon Eden Alternative Home Builds a 'Community of Memory'
The Eden Alternative blog commends reporter John Darling for leading a news story on Eden Alternative registered home Roxy Ann Memory Community with this simple but powerful pro-aging statement.
Dr. Bill Thomas: Introducing Eldertopia
What we need is a radical reinterpretation of longevity that makes elders (and their needs) central to our collective pursuit of happiness and well-being. We have no word that describes the value of intergenerational interdependence, of living in a multigenerational
Changing the Culture of Care for LGBT Elders
An Eden Alternative registered facility in Oakland, Calif., has launched a research-based cultural sensitivity initiative targeting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders receiving skilled nursing and long-term care, the Bay Area Reporter reportered this week. Raising awareness of LGBT
Empowering Staff is Key to Person-Centered Care
The Eden Alternative is thriving in Australia and DutchCare, the first nursing home facility Down Under to be endorsed in all 10 Eden Alternative principles, is gaining accolades for its commitment to empowering front-line staff. Australia’s leading long-term care magazine
How the Eden Alternative Can Help Your Aging Parent and You
Are you new to the Eden Alternative? Check out this introductory overview of the Eden philosophy and model in action from an independent caregiving expert. Earlier this week the radio program “Transition Aging Parents” with Dale Carter broadcast an episode
'What is the Eden Alternative?' A Board Member's Point of View
Earlier this week we blogged about Community Place, a non-profit Eden Alternative nursing home in Jackson, Miss., breaking ground tomorrow in a major development to completely relocate their facility onto an innovative 22-acre campus of cottages, assisted and independent living complexes
Eden Alternative Inspires Major Elder Care Transformation
Community Place in Jackson, Miss., breaks ground this Friday in a ceremony culminating seven years of work to relocate and transform the non-profit nursing home into an innovative 22-acre campus of cottages, assisted and independent living complexes and skilled nursing
Home is Where the Heart Is
The press leads with this… Beeping call bells, medication carts, rigid meal times and other elements of traditional nursing homes have been scrapped on the 13th floor of The Cunningham nursing home in Syracuse. The changes are all part of
Culture Change Pioneers Kiyota and Power Headed For Bella Italia
Two of the culture change movement’s most respected leaders — Eden Mentor Dr. Al Power and environmental gerontologist Emi Kiyota — have been awarded an exciting residency in Italy to work on community-based “Innovative Responses to Global Aging.” Dr. Power
Aging Services Summit Will Address Potential Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Aging Populations
From the ChangingAging Blogstream: The negotiations in Washington over raising the federal debt limit are going down to the wire this month with potentially drastic budget cuts to programs that protect and serve older adults on the negotiation table. Leaders
UK Study Finds Use of Psychotropic Drugs Nearly Eliminated Under Eden Alternative
The UK-based Accord Housing Association is reporting a dramatic fall in the number of residents being prescribed psycotropic drugs from 47% to just 2% since adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy. The association conducted a trial study to reduce the use of
How Eden Alternative Can Help Your Aging Parent and You
Please join “Transition Aging Parents” radio host Dale Carter for an upcoming broadcast focused on the Eden Alternative featuring Holly Whiteside, author of the “The Caregiver’s Compass. Dale and Holly will explore the benefits and principles of the Eden Alternative
One Thousand Cranes Connect Elders from the USA and Japan
The parts of Japan impacted by the tsunami are still reeling from the devastation, including the destruction of more than half of the elder care facilities in the affected ares. In sympathy, elders from St. John’s Home in Rochester, NY made
Eden Alternative Member in Wyoming Receives Governor's Award
Eden Alternative Registered St. John’s Living Center in Jackson, Wyo., was honored this week at the Governor’s Summit on Workforce Solutions with the Innovation in the Workplace Award. St. John’s was selected by the Wyoming Workforce Development Council for practicing
Dr. Bill Thomas San Francisco Chronicle OpEd: Learn to value life in elderhood
Published June 3 in the San Francisco Chronicle Opinion section: I am a rare breed of physician who specializes in the care of older people – a geriatrician. More than 30,000 geriatricians are needed to care for America’s coming age
Watch Dr. Bill Thomas TEDx Talk Live Online!
Eden Alternative founder Dr. Bill Thomas makes his TEDx debut Saturday, June 4, and you can watch it live via streaming video from the TEDxSF Alive! Maximum Living as a Human event in San Francisco. Live streaming video will begin
Pioneer Network Names New Executive Director
The Eden Alternative offers congratulations to the Pioneer Network in appointing Dr. Peter Reed as their new executive director. Reed, who most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Health Improvement, takes over from former
Eden Alternative Facilities in the News: Elim Rehab and Care
Eden Alternative member Elim Rehab and Care Center in Fargo, N.D., broke ground this week on a major $7 million expansion to create 20 new rooms plus dining and activity spaces. The new expansion and construction aren’t the only changes
Eden in the ER
For the past couple of years I have been working on reforming the hospital emergency department. Friends of Eden will recognize many of the basic features of the Senior ER. We optimize the physical environment to meet the needs of