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Research and Data PDF Print E-mail
In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research is any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Eden Alternative realizes that it is increasingly important to collect data and do research, as data is used by more people to make decisions within their organization.

Eden Alternative has formed the Eden Alternative International Research Committee to coordinate and disseminate research related to the impact of the Eden Alternative on the lives of individuals in a variety of settings. The objectives of the committee members includes: 1) collection of data for analysis and dissemination, 2) promotion and development of evidence-based research to guide practice and policies related to older persons, and 3) guide specific research related to the impact of the Eden Alternative on the well-being of individuals and those who care for them through the transformation of the communities within which they live and work.

The Eden Alternative International Research Committee is committed to sharing research with other researchers and entities affiliated with or interested in becoming affiliated with the Eden Alternative as well as other avenues towards culture change. We invite individuals who have related research to submit their publications to the Research Committee for review and inclusion here. You can forward the URL link or a copy of the document to our Team Leaders, Cheryl Kruschke ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and Rachel Ogden ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).  

The mission of the Eden Alternative International Research Committee is to promote and develop evidence-based research to guide practice and policies to demonstrate that the implementation of the EA improves the well-being of Elders and those who care for them by transforming the communities in which they live and work.

Join us at the 2012 Eden Alternative International Conference where there will be a special opportunity  for Research Posters to be presented and sessions on research topics.

The Eden Alternative Case For Research

If you are interested in participating in The Eden Alternative research or contributing to this page, please contact Cheryl Kruschke at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Featured Research:


  • Dr. Amy Elliott, Senior Policy Analyst for Pioneer Network and the member the Eden Alternative Research Team  recently introduced a new publication series at the 2011 Colorado Accord. 
Vol.1, No 1 Artifacts of Culture Change Benchmark Reports,
4/1/10-3/31/11 (DOWNLOAD PDF)
Vol.1, No 2  Positive Outcomes of Culture Change:
The Case for Adoption  (DOWNLOAD PDF)
  • Douglas Nursing Home, Milan, TN awards for physical restraint and pressure ulcer reduction, November 2010

Research Publications

A place like this: a study of elders’ perceptions (sic) of living in a care home that has adopted the Eden Alternative philosophy of care: By Martinez, Angela Anna 01.08.2010

Eden Alternative and Green House: By John Cheeks, PT, DPT, MHS, MSG, DHS, CEA, CSST,  October 2009

“The Eden Alternative and Rosebud Nursing Center: Does the Eden Alternative Improve Resident Outcomes in a Long Term Care Setting?” by Cheryl Kruschke, EdD, RN, 2006


Current Research

Eden Alternative Data and Research is a summary document of data collected from studies and anecdotal reports from Eden Alternative Registry Homes.

Outcomes From Home that Implemented Eden Principles and Examples

Culture Change Increases Occupancy and Revenue, Study Finds
A new study published in the 2010 Seniors Housing & Care Journal found that nursing homes that embrace and sustain culture change
Culture Change Increases Occupancy and Revenue, Study Finds
A new study published in the 2010 Seniors Housing & Care Journal found that nursing homes that embrace and sustain culture change achieved higher occupancy rates and increased revenue

Eden Alternative International Research Committee Members:
(This is a partial list of team members)

Cheryl Kruschke, EdD, RN

Carol DuMond, Ed.D., RN
: I am participating on the research committee because quantifying the outcomes for Elders and their care partners living and working in nursing homes involved in culture change may encourage traditional providers to participate. As these communities change, the quality of life of those that they serve improves. I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of Elders around the globe.
Eden Alternative Presentation and Paper

Christopher D. Perna, B.S. Applied Math/Economics, Brown University, CEO, The Eden Alternative: I have 25 years of experience in the insurance industry where market research was utilized extensively to drive corporate strategy. I am interested in using research to validate the impact of culture change, particularly The Eden Alternative Philosophy, on quality of life, quality of care, and financial performance along the care continuum.

Debra Ann Levine, J.D., B.A. in Social Sciences Interdisciplinary. My role on the team involves synthesizing information, applying my writing skills to grant opportunities, and helping the Eden Alternative grow by gathering and disseminating research data. We need to demonstrate the social value of the Eden Alternative through scientific evidence that will help drive decision-makers to support the Eden Alternative's mission.

Kort Nygard, Ph.D. has had a lifelong interest in research, particularly outcomes. He has worked as a research associate at Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco. He co-authored a management strengths inventory and was a data analyst for the Meharry Medical College community coalition project. Kort is an Eden Mentor, Educator, services on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Eden Alternative Coalition and the Southeast Advocacy Center for Elder Rights.

Laura Bronstein
, ACSW, LCSWR, PhD is a member of the Research Committee and the Eden Alternative Board of Directors. Laura is actively involved with research that aims to improve the lives of older adults, their caregivers and their service providers. She is interested in supporting providers that are interested in conducting research on their work in Eden homes to be able to assess the benefits of this work. Laura is particularly interested in the links among research, practice and public policy.

Amy Elliot, Ph.D. and Senior Policy Analyst of Pioneer Network, has spent the past eight years collecting and analyzing data to support person-centered care.  Amy is responsible for the demonstration of a sound business case which illustrates positive cost and quality outcomes resulting from person-centered care at the provider, state and federal policy levels and has contributed to ongoing research and publications documenting provider implementation strategies and outcomes measurement.

Angelo Alonzo
Dr. John Cheeks
Joanne Hope
Rachel Ogden
Victoria Burlew