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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
“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
Regulatory expert/guest blogger, Carmen Bowman, has an answer: First of all, to answer this question, the “new” regs actually contain most of the “old” regs, so there is that. Much of these requirements should not be a surprise to any
Those that know me, or have had me facilitate a training, know that the phrase “I read a book …” is stated often. Well, it’s true, and here is one of my new found favorites. I read a book called
For whatever reason lately, I’m suddenly finding myself in hard conversations about language…. and not just with those who don’t understand the power of language as a tool for shifting paradigms, I’m also getting into it with fellow change agents!
Signature Healthcare of Hartford Rehab and Wellness Center in Hartford, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on August 31, 2017. The 94 Elders that live here benefit from the home’s central location in the City of Hartford. They are steps away
Signature Healthcare of Monroe County Rehab and Wellness in Tompkinsville, KY, joined the Eden Registry on August 15, 2017. When visitors come to visit this vibrant home, they often comment on how warm it feels when they walk through the
Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre in Saskatchewan, Canada, joined the Eden Registry on August 9, 2017. This home is tucked away in a neighborhood surrounded by great views of the lovely Saskatchewan River. The river provides the backdrop for the dining
Brown Memorial Home in Circleville, Ohio, joined the Eden Registry on July 12, 2017. This faith-based, historical home located in downtown Circleville is home to 54 Elders. Created in 1894 by six valiant women that saw a need for residents
Signature Healthcare at Colonial in Bardstown, Kentucky joined the Eden Registry on June 29, 2017. Located in the historic and beautiful town of Bardstown, there are 55 Elders who call this amazing place home. Bardstown is so quaint that according
The Elders at Wesley Manor, located in Hattiesburg, MS, recently made a road trip to Red Bluff, nicknamed “Mississippi’s Grand Canyon.” A couple living at Wesley Manor came back from a trip to Red Bluff with pictures and stories that
Milton Heights in Regina, Saskatchewan joined the Eden Registry on May 31, 2017. Milton Heights was built in the mid-1950s and was Regina’s first high-rise apartment building. After a major renovation, they will offer affordable housing to close to 180
Signature HealthCARE at Heritage Hall in Lawrenceburg, KY, joined the Eden Registry on June 23, 2017. Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Kentucky, this warm, hospitable community is home to 97 Elders. If you come for a visit, you
Two weeks remain for the Call for Presentations for the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference, and I find myself thinking about the perks of submitting a proposal. Behold the result of my musings… the top ten reasons why you should
The Gardens at Depugh Nursing Center in Winter Park, Florida joined the Eden Alternative Registry on May 25, 2017. Home to 40 Elders they are situated on a historic 2.5-acre site in lovely downtown Winter Park. This beautiful home features
A mere month stands between your great presentation idea for the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference and the proposal submission deadline of July 8. What to do? What to write? Never fear… inspiration is here! What better way to get
Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech left an indelible mark on the heart of millions. To this day, it remains a powerful reminder that all human beings seek to be seen, respected, honored, and empowered. While King
Spending time with leaders who are open to new ideas and challenging their assumptions can be very inspiring. I recently had the privilege of spending two days with such a group of leaders. We were talking about the challenges of
You’ve probably heard about the big story involving the mistreatment of a passenger who was forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight last week. The incident has created quite a buzz. Well, there’s a very interesting angle to this story
A Signature Research Institute study highlights the impact of the Eden Alternative Ten Principles Authors Angie McAllister and Jeff Beaty have detailed the results of a recent study completed by Signature HealthCare regarding the impact of person-directed care practices on
So, I watched the Oscars with a friend last night. As midnight here on the East Coast neared, it was time to reveal the winning film for the Best Picture category. Like a bizarre replay of the recent Miss Universe
There is much buzz about the PBS’ documentary, “Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts” in culture change circles this week. Award-winning author and world-renowned geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas offers an inspiring counter perspective to the “tragedy narrative” we are all so —
As culture changers, we make it a daily practice to reach beyond labels and assumptions to deeply know each unique individual. Is it always easy? No. But we know that this alone makes it possible for us to transform the
As change agents, remember when we had to fight to be heard about the impact of loneliness on the human spirit? In the nearly 14 years I’ve been doing this work, I recall a lot of strained conversations about well-being
Signature Healthcare at Summit Manor Rehab and Wellness Center in Columbia, Kentucky joined the Eden Registry on December 16, 2016. They are home to 97 Elders and have divided their community into four neighborhoods between the two floors. There is
The Sagewood Continuing Care Community in Sackville, NS joined the Eden Registry on December 9, 2016. They are creating home for 50 Elders in their relaxed comfortable cottages. There are four cottages within the home with private bedrooms for each
We have all heard that people don’t quit companies; people quit managers. That may be true, but it could also be true that people don’t quit managers, they quit broken systems. Maybe they quit because they don’t fit it in,
Leading Age Keynote Speaker Angela Duckworth Has the Answer… Grit. What is it? According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, there are very specific markers that define grit. The cliff notes are essentially this: perseverance and passion over the long-term. Sound familiar?
I’m posting from the 2016 Leading Age Annual Meeting in Indianapolis and have just returned from a panel discussion about the age-friendly community movement. This global initiative takes a systems approach to creating communities that accommodate and value people of
Here’s a thoughtful reflection on the work of Bill Thomas by Nate Burgos of Design Feaster. This is just an excerpt from the whole piece, which explores wonder from a variety of perspectives. I’m struck by the phrase “Start living your damn
This article of mine was published in PS Magazine, Issue 15 on Page 16. It’s based on a personal story that affirms, without a doubt, that home is where the heart is. Jackie loves the arts… opera in particular. At
Dad’s lesson #5 is that specialists aren’t always special. Nancy Fox would tell you that as human beings, we are all about creating constituencies. It is amazing how fast a group of complete strangers can bond and begin to demonstrate
Life coach Martha Beck’s book, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World, captures the key qualities of what she calls a “Wayfinder.” (No, Martha is not my kin, by the way.) Wayfinders, by her definition, look a lot like culture
Lesson #4 from Dad is about the power of communication. We definitely experienced some poor communication during our journey with Dad. Part of it was the communication that should have happened, but didn’t. For example, when we said “no” to
Venetian Care and Rehabilitation Center in South Amboy, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on August 29, 2016. This beautiful new community completed in 2014 is home to 180 empowered Elders. Venetian was intentionally designed to create a sense of smallness
Lesson #3 from Dad’s end-of-life journey was all about the search for meaning. Eden Alternative Principle Six states: “Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things we find meaningful is essential to human health.” When we teach
I am always so inspired by this organization’s commitment to living the ten principles of The Eden Alternative in big ways. Undaunted, they have changed lives by arranging multiple Elder vacations for the people who live in their communities. There was
Lesson #2 from my Dad’s end-of-life journey is to watch out for Kahlid the Kind. Eden Alternative Principle Seven says, “Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.” Dr. Bill Thomas has written a story
My father passed away recently. It was unexpected; a stroke. Our family found ourselves in a 3-week journey with Dad that was infuriating, exasperating, surprising, and heartwarming all at the same time. I suspect it was much the same as
St. Francis Assisted Living in Forest City , AR, joined the Eden Registry on August 18, 2016. A small home, in a small town filled with people that have big hearts. This is what you can expect to experience at
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What would you tell people who feel anxious about meeting the new regs?
Regulatory expert/guest blogger, Carmen Bowman, has an answer: First of all, to answer this question, the “new” regs actually contain most of the “old” regs, so there is that. Much of these requirements should not be a surprise to any
Person-Directed Appreciation
Those that know me, or have had me facilitate a training, know that the phrase “I read a book …” is stated often. Well, it’s true, and here is one of my new found favorites. I read a book called
Al Power Calls for a Rebranding of Dementia Advocacy
For whatever reason lately, I’m suddenly finding myself in hard conversations about language…. and not just with those who don’t understand the power of language as a tool for shifting paradigms, I’m also getting into it with fellow change agents!
Signature Healthcare of Hartford Rehab and Wellness Center Joins the Eden Registry
Signature Healthcare of Hartford Rehab and Wellness Center in Hartford, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on August 31, 2017. The 94 Elders that live here benefit from the home’s central location in the City of Hartford. They are steps away
Welcome to the Registry – Signature Healthcare of Monroe County Rehab and Wellness
Signature Healthcare of Monroe County Rehab and Wellness in Tompkinsville, KY, joined the Eden Registry on August 15, 2017. When visitors come to visit this vibrant home, they often comment on how warm it feels when they walk through the
Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre is on the Eden Registry
Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre in Saskatchewan, Canada, joined the Eden Registry on August 9, 2017. This home is tucked away in a neighborhood surrounded by great views of the lovely Saskatchewan River. The river provides the backdrop for the dining
Eden’s Newest Registry Member – Brown Memorial Home
Brown Memorial Home in Circleville, Ohio, joined the Eden Registry on July 12, 2017. This faith-based, historical home located in downtown Circleville is home to 54 Elders. Created in 1894 by six valiant women that saw a need for residents
Welcome Signature Healthcare at Colonial to the Eden Registry
Signature Healthcare at Colonial in Bardstown, Kentucky joined the Eden Registry on June 29, 2017. Located in the historic and beautiful town of Bardstown, there are 55 Elders who call this amazing place home. Bardstown is so quaint that according
The Trek to Mississippi’s Grand Canyon
The Elders at Wesley Manor, located in Hattiesburg, MS, recently made a road trip to Red Bluff, nicknamed “Mississippi’s Grand Canyon.” A couple living at Wesley Manor came back from a trip to Red Bluff with pictures and stories that
Introducing Milton Heights – Welcome to the Eden Registry!
Milton Heights in Regina, Saskatchewan joined the Eden Registry on May 31, 2017. Milton Heights was built in the mid-1950s and was Regina’s first high-rise apartment building. After a major renovation, they will offer affordable housing to close to 180
Signature HealthCARE at Heritage Hall Joins the Eden Registry
Signature HealthCARE at Heritage Hall in Lawrenceburg, KY, joined the Eden Registry on June 23, 2017. Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Kentucky, this warm, hospitable community is home to 97 Elders. If you come for a visit, you
The Top Ten Reasons You Should Submit a Conference Presentation Proposal
Two weeks remain for the Call for Presentations for the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference, and I find myself thinking about the perks of submitting a proposal. Behold the result of my musings… the top ten reasons why you should
Welcome The Garden’s at Depugh to the Eden Registry
The Gardens at Depugh Nursing Center in Winter Park, Florida joined the Eden Alternative Registry on May 25, 2017. Home to 40 Elders they are situated on a historic 2.5-acre site in lovely downtown Winter Park. This beautiful home features
Need Inspiration? A 2016 Conference Throwback…
A mere month stands between your great presentation idea for the 2018 Eden Alternative International Conference and the proposal submission deadline of July 8. What to do? What to write? Never fear… inspiration is here! What better way to get
Rise UP! Change Starts Here.
Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech left an indelible mark on the heart of millions. To this day, it remains a powerful reminder that all human beings seek to be seen, respected, honored, and empowered. While King
What’s the Speed Limit?
Spending time with leaders who are open to new ideas and challenging their assumptions can be very inspiring. I recently had the privilege of spending two days with such a group of leaders. We were talking about the challenges of
United Airlines Debacle: Anything Sound Familiar?
You’ve probably heard about the big story involving the mistreatment of a passenger who was forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight last week. The incident has created quite a buzz. Well, there’s a very interesting angle to this story
New Research Reveals Positive Impact of Person-Directed Care
A Signature Research Institute study highlights the impact of the Eden Alternative Ten Principles Authors Angie McAllister and Jeff Beaty have detailed the results of a recent study completed by Signature HealthCare regarding the impact of person-directed care practices on
Oscars Flub & the Knee-Jerk Response That is Ageism – A Challenge
So, I watched the Oscars with a friend last night. As midnight here on the East Coast neared, it was time to reveal the winning film for the Best Picture category. Like a bizarre replay of the recent Miss Universe
In Response to the PBS Documentary, “Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts”
There is much buzz about the PBS’ documentary, “Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts” in culture change circles this week. Award-winning author and world-renowned geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas offers an inspiring counter perspective to the “tragedy narrative” we are all so —
“Otherization” … Fuel for Ageism, Foe to Person-Directed Culture
As culture changers, we make it a daily practice to reach beyond labels and assumptions to deeply know each unique individual. Is it always easy? No. But we know that this alone makes it possible for us to transform the
McKnights Features Bill Thomas and the Impact of Loneliness
As change agents, remember when we had to fight to be heard about the impact of loneliness on the human spirit? In the nearly 14 years I’ve been doing this work, I recall a lot of strained conversations about well-being
Meet the Newest Registry Member – Signature Healthcare at Summit Manor
Signature Healthcare at Summit Manor Rehab and Wellness Center in Columbia, Kentucky joined the Eden Registry on December 16, 2016. They are home to 97 Elders and have divided their community into four neighborhoods between the two floors. There is
Welcome Sagewood Continuing Care Community to the Eden Registry!
The Sagewood Continuing Care Community in Sackville, NS joined the Eden Registry on December 9, 2016. They are creating home for 50 Elders in their relaxed comfortable cottages. There are four cottages within the home with private bedrooms for each
Broken Systems, Not Broken Managers
We have all heard that people don’t quit companies; people quit managers. That may be true, but it could also be true that people don’t quit managers, they quit broken systems. Maybe they quit because they don’t fit it in,
Do You Have GRIT?
Leading Age Keynote Speaker Angela Duckworth Has the Answer… Grit. What is it? According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, there are very specific markers that define grit. The cliff notes are essentially this: perseverance and passion over the long-term. Sound familiar?
Beth Baker on the Village Movement and Cultivating Diversity
I’m posting from the 2016 Leading Age Annual Meeting in Indianapolis and have just returned from a panel discussion about the age-friendly community movement. This global initiative takes a systems approach to creating communities that accommodate and value people of
An Excerpt from “Relentlessly Pursuing Wonder: 9th Gathering of the Annual CUSP Conference”
Here’s a thoughtful reflection on the work of Bill Thomas by Nate Burgos of Design Feaster. This is just an excerpt from the whole piece, which explores wonder from a variety of perspectives. I’m struck by the phrase “Start living your damn
Home is Where Well-Being Is
This article of mine was published in PS Magazine, Issue 15 on Page 16. It’s based on a personal story that affirms, without a doubt, that home is where the heart is. Jackie loves the arts… opera in particular. At
End of Life Lessons from Dad: Lesson #5
Dad’s lesson #5 is that specialists aren’t always special. Nancy Fox would tell you that as human beings, we are all about creating constituencies. It is amazing how fast a group of complete strangers can bond and begin to demonstrate
Change Agents as Wayfinders
Life coach Martha Beck’s book, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World, captures the key qualities of what she calls a “Wayfinder.” (No, Martha is not my kin, by the way.) Wayfinders, by her definition, look a lot like culture
End of Life Lessons from Dad: Lesson #4
Lesson #4 from Dad is about the power of communication. We definitely experienced some poor communication during our journey with Dad. Part of it was the communication that should have happened, but didn’t. For example, when we said “no” to
Venetian Care and Rehabilitation Joins the Eden Registry
Venetian Care and Rehabilitation Center in South Amboy, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on August 29, 2016. This beautiful new community completed in 2014 is home to 180 empowered Elders. Venetian was intentionally designed to create a sense of smallness
End of Life Lessons from Dad: Lesson #3
Lesson #3 from Dad’s end-of-life journey was all about the search for meaning. Eden Alternative Principle Six states: “Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things we find meaningful is essential to human health.” When we teach
Signature HealthCARE Rocks Elder Vacations… Again
I am always so inspired by this organization’s commitment to living the ten principles of The Eden Alternative in big ways. Undaunted, they have changed lives by arranging multiple Elder vacations for the people who live in their communities. There was
End of Life Lessons from Dad: Lesson #2
Lesson #2 from my Dad’s end-of-life journey is to watch out for Kahlid the Kind. Eden Alternative Principle Seven says, “Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.” Dr. Bill Thomas has written a story
End-of-Life Lessons from Dad: Lesson #1
My father passed away recently. It was unexpected; a stroke. Our family found ourselves in a 3-week journey with Dad that was infuriating, exasperating, surprising, and heartwarming all at the same time. I suspect it was much the same as
Small Home Big Hearts – St. Francis Assisted Living
St. Francis Assisted Living in Forest City , AR, joined the Eden Registry on August 18, 2016. A small home, in a small town filled with people that have big hearts. This is what you can expect to experience at