Exempla Colorado Lutheran Home in Arvada, CO renewed their Eden Registry status on July 27, 2010. This is home to about 220 Elders that live independently, with assistance or with skilled services support. They just completed a remodeling of the Aspen Grove neighborhood and added a full kitchen among other things. The Elders in the home were an important part of the planning and completion of the remodeling. They have formed a committee that looks specifically at how to integrate Principle Seven into the home, de-emphasizing treatment in favor of genuine human caring. The committee is currently working on integrating aromas as an aid to improve sleep and have bigger plans for where they go next. They are in the process of getting their Laughter Club started. They have a welcoming committee of Elders to meet, greet and get to know new Elders when they move in. They are currently transforming the welcoming ritual for new employees to be more relationship focused rather than task focused including a welcoming tea with the Elders their first morning. Because they have worked hard on empowerment of the care partners (Elders and employees), many decisions about the flow of daily life are made in the areas where the Elders live. Each neighborhood has a budget to spend on fun events and the Elders manage the funds. If you arrive at mealtime, you will be able to eat when you choose and order from a wide variety of menu items. You can even eat breakfast items in the evening! This is an organization that has learned the value of open communication through learning circles, involving the Elders and of setting annual goals and then accomplishing them. They are truly creating a life worth living for everyone connected with their community.