Reprinted with permission from the Pioneer Network blog, April 23 An Elder’s perspective on life in senior living in the wake of COVID-19. A nuthatch crawls down the branch of a large tree outside my window. I move to my
Reposted with permission from jillvitaleaussem.com, April 12, 2020. I had hoped, with the current focus on healthcare workers as heroes, that the demonizing of nursing homes would cease during the pandemic. It hasn’t. I’ve seen very few news stories blaming
Welcome to our first Speaker Spotlight for the 2020 Eden Alternative International Conference! During early registration, we will post video teasers here and there (see left!) to give you a glimpse of our keynote and summit talk speakers. Meet Chris
Every conference year the same question arises: How will we engage potential conference goers before they even arrive at the conference? About 5 weeks ago, my colleague Danna and I were scratching our heads – what to do this time?
20 practices down. Only 8 to go in our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge. Today, our focus is on Practices 21-28. For those of you just jumping in, this is our 4th week together unpacking a set of 28 simple practices designed
The Eden Alternative is coming up in some interesting conversations lately. In the last 2 weeks alone, we have landed on the pages of the AARP Bulletin, scored an interview with Mary Eileen Williams of Feisty Side of Fifty Radio,
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge 13 practices down. 15 to go. Today, our focus is on Practices 14-20. As I said in Part 1 of this 4-blog series, we see GivingTuesday (December 3) as a chance to engage lots of different
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge Six practices down. Twenty-two to go. Today, we will unpack Practices 7-13. As I said last week in the first part of this 4-blog series, we see #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3) as an opportunity to engage lots
In honor of #GivingTuesday on December 3, we are giving you the gift of care. We bring you our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge. Each week, between now and December 3, we will post a new set of caring practices that put the person
Dr. Eleanor Feldman Barbera’s article in McKnights, “What worries me about trauma-informed care,” raises key concerns about implementation of the Phase 3 CMS mandates for nursing homes, and is a must-read as we seek to do the right thing in
I have news. Really good news. Grant funding has made it possible to fund a new position at The Eden Alternative through the first part of 2020. This news went from good to great when we found Danna Pentes to
Reflections from the New York Times, Hollywood, and Life… I watched a movie called Book Club on Hulu recently. Crazy with acting legends, like Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, and Candice Bergen, it mostly reeked of rom-com. But there was something
We have something to celebrate! Last week, Health Professions Press released a new book by Jill Vitale-Aussem, President & CEO of The Eden Alternative®. In this video interview, Jill shares the inspiration behind Disrupting the Status Quo in Senior Living:
The Eden Alternative is associated with higher CMS Star Ratings and lower anti-psychotic use. Wow! July was an exciting month for The Eden Alternative. We received results from two different studies showing significant correlation between the implementation of The Eden
Parker at Somerset, located in Somerset, NJ is the fourth Parker home to join the Eden Registry. They are in the process of a major renovation, which will transform the current, rather institutional looking environment into 3 smaller homes. While
We recently welcomed our newest Registry Member, The Oaks at Hampton! Located in Cumming, GA, this assisted living community knows what home is. As a part of Oaks Senior Living, the philosophy they live by is to enrich the lives
It’s throwback time. This 2017 post is getting a dusting off and another day in the sun. The Call for Presentations is open for our 2020 Eden Alternative International Conference until June 21, and we thought you could use some
I remember when audio tapes and tape players were a brand new thing. Memorex was a company that made cassettes on which you could record voice and music. (The title to this blog was their advertising pitch.) I recorded songs
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Kimberly Wood to the Eden Alternative Home Office Team. Kimberly will work closely with our Education Coordinator, Meredith Martin, as Education Support. Like Meredith, she makes Murfreesboro, Tennessee her home, alongside her
Last week, we revealed the theme of our 2020 Conference: Move Mountains: Innovate. Collaborate. Get Results. If any organization can consistently show us how to innovate, collaborate and get results, it’s Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatchewan, Canada. A recent article
I recently read a study that found that only 13% of nursing homes in the US had comprehensively adopted culture change. I was beside myself. “Thirteen percent?!” I said, “Are you kidding me? How can that be possible?” Full disclosure:
Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS) in Dawson, Minnesota, became our latest Eden Registry Member on February 12, 2019. This stellar organization has services of all types to offer people, as their wants, needs, and desires change. Their new care center
Years ago, while volunteering each week at a local organization, I met a nice guy, Jim, who always wore the same hat… day in, day out. The rest of us benignly speculated about the ever-present hat… did he ever take
Breaking news! We, at The Eden Alternative, are so excited to announce the impending release of a new book by our President & CEO, Jill Vitale-Aussem. Soon to be available through Health Professions Press (HPP), Disrupting the Status Quo of
Wesley Woods of Newnan in Newnan, GA joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 24, 2019, as our first new Registry Member of the New Year. Imagine heading south, out of Atlanta, down a busy I-85, and getting off at
The Eden Alternative has lost a vital part of our global family – Paul Bailey, Eden Educator and Mentor in the UK. Paul and his wife, June, founded the Eden Alternative UK & Ireland in 2005. Together, they made a
Most of us have pretty intense work lives. Heads down, we move from one project or issue to the next, checking off boxes on our to-do lists. We know we’re busy and exhausted but we can’t always identify exactly what
Reflections from our new Eden Registry Liaison… After the Eden Alternative Home Office Team processed and accepted the fact that Suzette Molina was leaving, we started to put together a “wish list” of the qualities, background and experience of our
Excellent leaders always seem to strive for something more, something better for their organizations. Deke Cateau is one of those leaders. We got to know Deke a few years back when he was COO of A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab,
I recently had the honor of joining a virtual ritual convened by Age Without Borders. We gathered in observance of the 11 souls lost – many of them Elders – in a Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on October 27th. Our time
Guest bloggers Jennifer Carson and Pat Sprigg reflect on how to navigate life, we must embrace its complexity. Dementia support is no different. This blog was originally posted in ChangingAging.org. Some of the most important and sacred experiences in life
A couple of weeks ago, Eden Alternative President & CEO, Jill Vitale-Aussem posted “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day”: A Call to Action. Did you heed the call? Here’s how we did… we engaged author, Ashton Applewhite, Pioneer Network, and LeadingAge in
Principle Nine of The Eden Alternative teaches us that we never stop growing and becoming. I reach out to you today to share how one member of the Eden Alternative Home Office Team will continue to grow. As you’ll read
Woods Health Services, in La Verne, California joined the Eden Registry on August 13, 2018. Their inspiration to join the Registry grew out of their participation in a pair of California-based, grant projects featuring Eden Alternative education and consultation. For
Our blog contributor Ashton Applewhite is author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. Most Americans aren’t optimistic about getting older, and think the source of the problem is aging itself. So do most policy wonks, framing population aging
As kids head back to school, we’re asking for your help. It’s become a trend in schools around the US to celebrate the 100th day of school by holding a “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day.” Pinterest and some websites provide
Signature Healthcare of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina joined the Eden Registry on August 2, 2018. Signature Healthcare of Roanoke Rapids, nestled in a residential neighborhood welcomes visitors with beautiful landscaping and pots overflowing with flowers. Elders often sit outside, watching
The Eden Alternative® has been around for over 20 years now. The resources and the approach have grown and transformed over time. Integrating the Principles makes a big difference in the lives of Elder, family, and employee care partners. Dr.
Shalom Park in Aurora, Colorado joined the Eden Registry on July 18, 2018. Shalom Park prides itself on making Elders feel at home. The rich daily life is palpable. This community was built as a residence in the early 1990’s
As you may have seen in last week’s Washington Post article, there was a provision in a bill before the DC Council that would affect the future of assisted living communities in the Washington, DC. Area. The provision proposed that
Dr. Bill and Jude Thomas, Eden Alternative Co-Founders, hit the road along the Atlantic seaboard recently to connect with Elders and others in the spirit of gratitude. What inspired this journey? A desire to “express gratitude for the Elders we
A recent post in McKnight’s suggests that better employee/family member relationships might improve employee retention. This caught my eye, as I came to this work as a highly engaged family member. I can affirm that making every effort to deepen
Whether you made it to the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference (and just want more) or didn’t make it (and want some), you can either relive or experience for the first time several conference highlights on a special 2018 Conference
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab – Cobb in Marietta, Georgia, joined the Eden Registry on April 27, 2018. For more than 110 years, A.G. Rhodes has served the Atlanta community by creating a warm family environment, where every Elder is
Our new President & CEO shares this touching reminder that together we are stronger. I travel a lot for work. But no matter how many flights I’ve been on I still get a little squeamish, especially in small planes and
It is little more than a week until we convene the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference. What better person could we call upon to pump up hundreds of change agents than Co-founder Dr. Bill Thomas? I recently had the pleasure
“Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social,
Over 25 years ago, Bill and Jude Thomas laid the groundwork for what became The Eden Alternative. What began as a set of principles has grown into a powerful, practical model for person-directed care. With years of experience guiding culture
I really enjoyed this opportunity to hear from Sonya Barsness about her project, BEING SEEN. Check out this interview to tap into the power of presence and how being seen is a fundamental need for those who live with dementia.
Today is the 3rd anniversary of the passing of Hannah O’Hara Thomas. For all of her 18 years, Hannah helped the worldwide Eden Alternative community to grow. A master teacher in the art of BEING, Hannah mentored us all in
Residents and Elders at St. Paul’s in Greenville, PA, benefit throughout the year from the collaboration that St. Paul’s has with Thiel College. The Joining Generations organization has three different components: Internships, Academics and Student Service. The team at St.
What a pleasure it was to chat with Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter of In the Moment about their groundbreaking work with improv and transforming relationships with those living with dementia. Check out this interview to learn how it all
This powerful blog written by Anne Basting, PhD, originally posted in ChangingAging.org earlier this year. As our keynote speaker for the welcoming session of the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference, Basting will challenge and inspire conference participants to rethink how
Morning Star Care Center in Ft. Washakie, WY, joined the Eden Registry on February 26, 2018. Former leaders of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe knew there was a great need for a safe place for tribal Elders to live, be cared
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Anne Basting, Founder of TimeSlips, about the power of creativity, how it enables us to be fully self-expressed, and its ability to revolutionize relationships. On May 3, Anne will open our 2018
Prairie Elder Homes in Overland Park, KS, joined the Eden Registry in January 30, 2018. Prairie Elder Homes are small residential homes that are purposefully located in residential neighborhoods. The setting is intimate with only eight residents and employee care
The right to determine how you are cared for, the right to live a life that truly reflects and celebrates who you are, regardless of age or ability – these are basic human rights. Worth rising up for? We, at
Signature Healthcare at Jackson Manor in Annville, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on January 23, 2018. This small rural community takes creating home very seriously by making sure that everyone that lives and works there has a strong sense of
Parker at Stonegate, Highland Park, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on January 4, 2018. Life at Parker at Stonegate is often compared to living at a luxury resort, where so many of your needs are taken care of that all
“Beep, Beep, Beep”, my alarm clock blares, and I roll out of an indistinguishable hotel bed — sheets white, pillows varying levels of fluffy, and traces of bleach linger in my nostrils. I exit my room, look left and right.
Parker at Monroe in Monroe, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on December 29, 2017. Home to 96 Elders, Parker at Monroe provides round-the clock, person-directed care services, including memory care for individuals living with all stages of dementia, who may
I am a planner by nature and someone who really needs to think through big decisions. On more than one occasion in recent years, I have relied on the framework of The Eden Alternative’s seven Domains of Well-Being℠ to guide
Go ahead, ask anyone working in any field today what their biggest challenge is. What do you think they will say? My experience has been that their answer is “communication” or some topic along that vein. Communication is a big
Signature HealthCARE of Glasgow Rehab & Wellness Center in Glasgow, KY joined the Eden Registry on December 28, 2017. Located in south central Kentucky, this community offers a wide variety of entertainment, historical sites, lakes, rivers, and some of the
Signature Healthcare of Hart County in Horse Cave, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on December 26, 2017. This beautiful home is located close to the famous Mammoth Cave and the downtown historic district of Horse Cave. This town is a
Signature Healthcare of Carrollton Rehab and Wellness in Carrollton, KY, joined the Eden Registry on December 22, 2017. Located midway between Cincinnati and Louisville, where the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers meet, Carrollton is the kind of town where you can still
New Horizons Tower in Toronto, ON joined the Eden Registry on December 21, 2017. This gorgeous high-rise building in the center of Bloordale Village is home to 88 Elders. Ideally located in the heart of its neighborhood, Elders have easy
“The late 1990’s were an especially exciting time for people with a passion for changing aging. We remember two lights that burned especially brightly at that time. Joe and Susan Berta didn’t just teach Eden, they lived it. They used
Points West Living Stettler in Stettler, Alberta, joined the Eden Registry on November 14, 2017. This beautiful, modern home is located at the west edge of the town of Stettler. This peaceful community is surrounded by Stettler Sports Park on
Today, we officially launch Early Bird Registration for our 9th Eden Alternative International Conference scheduled for May 3-5, 2018. I love the “Rise Up” theme we’ve chosen for the conference because it is such a perfect fit for what The
Culture in the Time of Pandemic
Reprinted with permission from the Pioneer Network blog, April 23 An Elder’s perspective on life in senior living in the wake of COVID-19. A nuthatch crawls down the branch of a large tree outside my window. I move to my
Nursing Homes Need Support, Not Blame
Reposted with permission from jillvitaleaussem.com, April 12, 2020. I had hoped, with the current focus on healthcare workers as heroes, that the demonizing of nursing homes would cease during the pandemic. It hasn’t. I’ve seen very few news stories blaming
Introducing Chris Field
Welcome to our first Speaker Spotlight for the 2020 Eden Alternative International Conference! During early registration, we will post video teasers here and there (see left!) to give you a glimpse of our keynote and summit talk speakers. Meet Chris
Why the Virtual Zoom Tour Matters
Every conference year the same question arises: How will we engage potential conference goers before they even arrive at the conference? About 5 weeks ago, my colleague Danna and I were scratching our heads – what to do this time?
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 4
20 practices down. Only 8 to go in our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge. Today, our focus is on Practices 21-28. For those of you just jumping in, this is our 4th week together unpacking a set of 28 simple practices designed
Stirring It Up: The Eden Alternative Gets Some Air Time
The Eden Alternative is coming up in some interesting conversations lately. In the last 2 weeks alone, we have landed on the pages of the AARP Bulletin, scored an interview with Mary Eileen Williams of Feisty Side of Fifty Radio,
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 3
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge 13 practices down. 15 to go. Today, our focus is on Practices 14-20. As I said in Part 1 of this 4-blog series, we see GivingTuesday (December 3) as a chance to engage lots of different
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 2
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge Six practices down. Twenty-two to go. Today, we will unpack Practices 7-13. As I said last week in the first part of this 4-blog series, we see #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3) as an opportunity to engage lots
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 1
In honor of #GivingTuesday on December 3, we are giving you the gift of care. We bring you our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge. Each week, between now and December 3, we will post a new set of caring practices that put the person
First, Do No Harm
Dr. Eleanor Feldman Barbera’s article in McKnights, “What worries me about trauma-informed care,” raises key concerns about implementation of the Phase 3 CMS mandates for nursing homes, and is a must-read as we seek to do the right thing in
Introducing Danna Pentes
I have news. Really good news. Grant funding has made it possible to fund a new position at The Eden Alternative through the first part of 2020. This news went from good to great when we found Danna Pentes to
The Perfect Storm of Stigma and Surplus Safety
Reflections from the New York Times, Hollywood, and Life… I watched a movie called Book Club on Hulu recently. Crazy with acting legends, like Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, and Candice Bergen, it mostly reeked of rom-com. But there was something
A Video Interview with Jill Vitale-Aussem About Disrupting the Status Quo of Senior Living
We have something to celebrate! Last week, Health Professions Press released a new book by Jill Vitale-Aussem, President & CEO of The Eden Alternative®. In this video interview, Jill shares the inspiration behind Disrupting the Status Quo in Senior Living:
The Proof is in the Data
The Eden Alternative is associated with higher CMS Star Ratings and lower anti-psychotic use. Wow! July was an exciting month for The Eden Alternative. We received results from two different studies showing significant correlation between the implementation of The Eden
Parker at Somerset Joins the Eden Registry
Parker at Somerset, located in Somerset, NJ is the fourth Parker home to join the Eden Registry. They are in the process of a major renovation, which will transform the current, rather institutional looking environment into 3 smaller homes. While
Welcoming The Oaks at Hampton
We recently welcomed our newest Registry Member, The Oaks at Hampton! Located in Cumming, GA, this assisted living community knows what home is. As a part of Oaks Senior Living, the philosophy they live by is to enrich the lives
The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Submit a Conference Presentation Proposal
It’s throwback time. This 2017 post is getting a dusting off and another day in the sun. The Call for Presentations is open for our 2020 Eden Alternative International Conference until June 21, and we thought you could use some
Is It Live, or Is It Memorex?
I remember when audio tapes and tape players were a brand new thing. Memorex was a company that made cassettes on which you could record voice and music. (The title to this blog was their advertising pitch.) I recorded songs
Meet Kimberly Wood
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Kimberly Wood to the Eden Alternative Home Office Team. Kimberly will work closely with our Education Coordinator, Meredith Martin, as Education Support. Like Meredith, she makes Murfreesboro, Tennessee her home, alongside her
Sherbrooke Shines Light on Surplus Safety
Last week, we revealed the theme of our 2020 Conference: Move Mountains: Innovate. Collaborate. Get Results. If any organization can consistently show us how to innovate, collaborate and get results, it’s Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatchewan, Canada. A recent article
Move Mountains… Change Lives.
I recently read a study that found that only 13% of nursing homes in the US had comprehensively adopted culture change. I was beside myself. “Thirteen percent?!” I said, “Are you kidding me? How can that be possible?” Full disclosure:
Johnson Memorial Health Services Joins the Eden Registry
Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS) in Dawson, Minnesota, became our latest Eden Registry Member on February 12, 2019. This stellar organization has services of all types to offer people, as their wants, needs, and desires change. Their new care center
What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You…And Others
Years ago, while volunteering each week at a local organization, I met a nice guy, Jim, who always wore the same hat… day in, day out. The rest of us benignly speculated about the ever-present hat… did he ever take
Disrupting the Status Quo of Senior Living
Breaking news! We, at The Eden Alternative, are so excited to announce the impending release of a new book by our President & CEO, Jill Vitale-Aussem. Soon to be available through Health Professions Press (HPP), Disrupting the Status Quo of
Welcome Wesley Woods of Newnan – First New Registry Member of 2019
Wesley Woods of Newnan in Newnan, GA joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 24, 2019, as our first new Registry Member of the New Year. Imagine heading south, out of Atlanta, down a busy I-85, and getting off at
Remembering Paul Bailey
The Eden Alternative has lost a vital part of our global family – Paul Bailey, Eden Educator and Mentor in the UK. Paul and his wife, June, founded the Eden Alternative UK & Ireland in 2005. Together, they made a
Making an Impact
Most of us have pretty intense work lives. Heads down, we move from one project or issue to the next, checking off boxes on our to-do lists. We know we’re busy and exhausted but we can’t always identify exactly what
Ladies and Gentleman… Kris Angevine
Reflections from our new Eden Registry Liaison… After the Eden Alternative Home Office Team processed and accepted the fact that Suzette Molina was leaving, we started to put together a “wish list” of the qualities, background and experience of our
Deke Cateau Joins the Eden Alternative Board of Directors
Excellent leaders always seem to strive for something more, something better for their organizations. Deke Cateau is one of those leaders. We got to know Deke a few years back when he was COO of A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab,
Tikkun Olam: Repair the World
I recently had the honor of joining a virtual ritual convened by Age Without Borders. We gathered in observance of the 11 souls lost – many of them Elders – in a Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on October 27th. Our time
No Control Freaks Allowed: Embracing the Complexity of Dementia Support
Guest bloggers Jennifer Carson and Pat Sprigg reflect on how to navigate life, we must embrace its complexity. Dementia support is no different. This blog was originally posted in ChangingAging.org. Some of the most important and sacred experiences in life
Action Taken: Saying No to “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day”
A couple of weeks ago, Eden Alternative President & CEO, Jill Vitale-Aussem posted “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day”: A Call to Action. Did you heed the call? Here’s how we did… we engaged author, Ashton Applewhite, Pioneer Network, and LeadingAge in
Team Member Suzette Molina Looks Back and Steps Forward
Principle Nine of The Eden Alternative teaches us that we never stop growing and becoming. I reach out to you today to share how one member of the Eden Alternative Home Office Team will continue to grow. As you’ll read
Woods Health Services Joins the Eden Registry!
Woods Health Services, in La Verne, California joined the Eden Registry on August 13, 2018. Their inspiration to join the Registry grew out of their participation in a pair of California-based, grant projects featuring Eden Alternative education and consultation. For
Who’s Going to Create a Better Narrative of Old Age in America?
Our blog contributor Ashton Applewhite is author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. Most Americans aren’t optimistic about getting older, and think the source of the problem is aging itself. So do most policy wonks, framing population aging
“Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day”: A Call to Action
As kids head back to school, we’re asking for your help. It’s become a trend in schools around the US to celebrate the 100th day of school by holding a “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day.” Pinterest and some websites provide
Welcome Signature Healthcare of Roanoke Rapids
Signature Healthcare of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina joined the Eden Registry on August 2, 2018. Signature Healthcare of Roanoke Rapids, nestled in a residential neighborhood welcomes visitors with beautiful landscaping and pots overflowing with flowers. Elders often sit outside, watching
Busting Myth #1 About The Eden Alternative: Drinking the Kool-Aid
The Eden Alternative® has been around for over 20 years now. The resources and the approach have grown and transformed over time. Integrating the Principles makes a big difference in the lives of Elder, family, and employee care partners. Dr.
The Eden Registry Welcomes Shalom Park
Shalom Park in Aurora, Colorado joined the Eden Registry on July 18, 2018. Shalom Park prides itself on making Elders feel at home. The rich daily life is palpable. This community was built as a residence in the early 1990’s
Education, Not Segregation: Addressing the Stigma of Dementia
As you may have seen in last week’s Washington Post article, there was a provision in a bill before the DC Council that would affect the future of assisted living communities in the Washington, DC. Area. The provision proposed that
Gratitude Helps Us Grow – Dr. Bill & Jude Thomas’ Gratitude Tour
Dr. Bill and Jude Thomas, Eden Alternative Co-Founders, hit the road along the Atlantic seaboard recently to connect with Elders and others in the spirit of gratitude. What inspired this journey? A desire to “express gratitude for the Elders we
Stronger Together: Deepening Employee and Family Member Relationships
A recent post in McKnight’s suggests that better employee/family member relationships might improve employee retention. This caught my eye, as I came to this work as a highly engaged family member. I can affirm that making every effort to deepen
Ready, Set, Rewind… Conference Session Recordings Are Here
Whether you made it to the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference (and just want more) or didn’t make it (and want some), you can either relive or experience for the first time several conference highlights on a special 2018 Conference
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab – Cobb Joins the Eden Registry
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab – Cobb in Marietta, Georgia, joined the Eden Registry on April 27, 2018. For more than 110 years, A.G. Rhodes has served the Atlanta community by creating a warm family environment, where every Elder is
Bumps, Bubble Gum, and Bravery
Our new President & CEO shares this touching reminder that together we are stronger. I travel a lot for work. But no matter how many flights I’ve been on I still get a little squeamish, especially in small planes and
Changing Aging with Dr. Bill Thomas
It is little more than a week until we convene the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference. What better person could we call upon to pump up hundreds of change agents than Co-founder Dr. Bill Thomas? I recently had the pleasure
A Serpent in the Garden
“Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social,
Breaking Ground with Jude Thomas
Over 25 years ago, Bill and Jude Thomas laid the groundwork for what became The Eden Alternative. What began as a set of principles has grown into a powerful, practical model for person-directed care. With years of experience guiding culture
Sonya Barsness Reflects on BEING SEEN
I really enjoyed this opportunity to hear from Sonya Barsness about her project, BEING SEEN. Check out this interview to tap into the power of presence and how being seen is a fundamental need for those who live with dementia.
Retrospective: Bill Thomas Takes on the “Tragedy Narrative”
Today is the 3rd anniversary of the passing of Hannah O’Hara Thomas. For all of her 18 years, Hannah helped the worldwide Eden Alternative community to grow. A master teacher in the art of BEING, Hannah mentored us all in
Intergenerational Opportunities Make a Difference
Residents and Elders at St. Paul’s in Greenville, PA, benefit throughout the year from the collaboration that St. Paul’s has with Thiel College. The Joining Generations organization has three different components: Internships, Academics and Student Service. The team at St.
Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter are IN THE MOMENT
What a pleasure it was to chat with Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter of In the Moment about their groundbreaking work with improv and transforming relationships with those living with dementia. Check out this interview to learn how it all
Stealing Hope
This powerful blog written by Anne Basting, PhD, originally posted in ChangingAging.org earlier this year. As our keynote speaker for the welcoming session of the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference, Basting will challenge and inspire conference participants to rethink how
Our Newest Eden Registry Member – Morning Star Care Center
Morning Star Care Center in Ft. Washakie, WY, joined the Eden Registry on February 26, 2018. Former leaders of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe knew there was a great need for a safe place for tribal Elders to live, be cared
A Conversation with Anne Basting, Founder & CEO of TimeSlips
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Anne Basting, Founder of TimeSlips, about the power of creativity, how it enables us to be fully self-expressed, and its ability to revolutionize relationships. On May 3, Anne will open our 2018
Giving Community, Connection, and Control Back to the Elders – Welcome Prairie Eldercare to the Eden Registry
Prairie Elder Homes in Overland Park, KS, joined the Eden Registry in January 30, 2018. Prairie Elder Homes are small residential homes that are purposefully located in residential neighborhoods. The setting is intimate with only eight residents and employee care
A City, a Story, a Movement…
The right to determine how you are cared for, the right to live a life that truly reflects and celebrates who you are, regardless of age or ability – these are basic human rights. Worth rising up for? We, at
Please Welcome Signature Healthcare’s 50th Home to the Eden Registry – Signature Healthcare at Jackson Manor
Signature Healthcare at Jackson Manor in Annville, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on January 23, 2018. This small rural community takes creating home very seriously by making sure that everyone that lives and works there has a strong sense of
Eden Welcomes the first Registry Member of 2018 – Parker at Stonegate!
Parker at Stonegate, Highland Park, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on January 4, 2018. Life at Parker at Stonegate is often compared to living at a luxury resort, where so many of your needs are taken care of that all
A Day in the Life – the ChangingAging Tour
“Beep, Beep, Beep”, my alarm clock blares, and I roll out of an indistinguishable hotel bed — sheets white, pillows varying levels of fluffy, and traces of bleach linger in my nostrils. I exit my room, look left and right.
Parker of Monroe Ends 2017 Eden Strong!
Parker at Monroe in Monroe, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on December 29, 2017. Home to 96 Elders, Parker at Monroe provides round-the clock, person-directed care services, including memory care for individuals living with all stages of dementia, who may
Finding My Way with the Seven Domains of Well-Being℠
I am a planner by nature and someone who really needs to think through big decisions. On more than one occasion in recent years, I have relied on the framework of The Eden Alternative’s seven Domains of Well-Being℠ to guide
Communication, a Key Ingredient to Individualized Care
Go ahead, ask anyone working in any field today what their biggest challenge is. What do you think they will say? My experience has been that their answer is “communication” or some topic along that vein. Communication is a big
Signature HealthCARE Rounds Out 2017 with its 49th Registry Member!
Signature HealthCARE of Glasgow Rehab & Wellness Center in Glasgow, KY joined the Eden Registry on December 28, 2017. Located in south central Kentucky, this community offers a wide variety of entertainment, historical sites, lakes, rivers, and some of the
Welcome Signature HealthCARE of Hart County Rehab and Wellness to the Eden Registry
Signature Healthcare of Hart County in Horse Cave, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on December 26, 2017. This beautiful home is located close to the famous Mammoth Cave and the downtown historic district of Horse Cave. This town is a
Signature Healthcare of Carrollton Care and Rehab is our Newest Registry Member!
Signature Healthcare of Carrollton Rehab and Wellness in Carrollton, KY, joined the Eden Registry on December 22, 2017. Located midway between Cincinnati and Louisville, where the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers meet, Carrollton is the kind of town where you can still
New Horizons Tower Joins the Eden Registry
New Horizons Tower in Toronto, ON joined the Eden Registry on December 21, 2017. This gorgeous high-rise building in the center of Bloordale Village is home to 88 Elders. Ideally located in the heart of its neighborhood, Elders have easy
Worldmaking… Susan Berta Style
“The late 1990’s were an especially exciting time for people with a passion for changing aging. We remember two lights that burned especially brightly at that time. Joe and Susan Berta didn’t just teach Eden, they lived it. They used
Join Us in Welcoming Points West Living – Stettler to the Eden Registry
Points West Living Stettler in Stettler, Alberta, joined the Eden Registry on November 14, 2017. This beautiful, modern home is located at the west edge of the town of Stettler. This peaceful community is surrounded by Stettler Sports Park on
Rise Up, Register, and Join Us in Atlanta
Today, we officially launch Early Bird Registration for our 9th Eden Alternative International Conference scheduled for May 3-5, 2018. I love the “Rise Up” theme we’ve chosen for the conference because it is such a perfect fit for what The