There are 47 residents in the Ketchikan Home and they are cared for by approximately 80 dedicated staff members (including part-time and on-call employees), some of whom have been working at the home since it opened. The successful operation of the Ketchikan home speaks to the commitment of family, friends, staff and the community as a whole. On the average, residents are 86 years young, "pioneered" the state of Alaska before statehood, and continue to contribute to the richness of the community. In April 1999, the Ketchikan Home became the second Pioneer Home to be registered as an EdenŽ home. Under the Eden philosophy, family, friends, pets and plants all contribute to creating a "human habitat" by revitalizing relationships and encouraging residents to be involved with activities that help alleviate loneliness, helplessness and boredom. During the past five years the Ketchikan Pioneer Home has provided a respite care program which provides 24-hour care for up to two weeks for individuals in the community who need short-term assistance for a scheduled period of time. Respite allows primary care providers the opportunity to have time-out from caregiving to take care of themselves, or other family business, with the confidence that the person in respite care in the Pioneers Home is being cared for by responsible people. The Ketchikan Pioneer Home continues to work towards better connections with the city-at-large by enlisting volunteers to work with the Home, and by inviting family and friends to become part of the Pioneer Home community.