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.
This article, published in PS Magazine in the May/June 2016 issue, Pages 18-22, highlights how Elder stories are a source of healing not only on a personal level, but on a global one as well. Explore how two unique stories illustrate the vast
A heart-warming story from Mercy Retirement & Care Center, Oakland, CA Emily Sanderson, a Certified Eden Associate and music therapist, at Mercy Retirement & Care Center had an idea. She knew many of the Elders had taught children or cared
I recently watched a video about finance. The speaker began by explaining why he had an old beat-up kitchen table on stage. He talked about the history of that kitchen table, which came from his home. Although he discussed it
What I love most about the concept of care partnership is the opportunity to discover new teachers and even be surprised by who they might be. The 18-year anniversary of my father’s passing has just recently come and gone, and
Pete Rose is the all-time Major League leader in hits, games played, and at-bats. He won three World Series rings, three batting titles, one Most Valuable Player Award, two Gold Gloves, the Rookie of the Year Award, and also made
Alice Lute stole the show at the 2016 Eden Alternative International Conference… in more ways than one. Not only was she an honored recipient of the 2016 International Eden Elder Award alongside Lucy Kennedy, but she took away the top
Every two years The Eden Alternative puts on an event. This is not just any event. It is an EVENT! We call it our international conference, but it is an EVENT. Note the capitalization for emphasis. For me, my very
Sometimes amidst the chaos, there are moments of clarity, when we’re reminded why we do the work we do. I had one of those moments last October, during one of those speaking engagements when you’re not sure anyone really cares what you have to say.
Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant, IA has been holding community meetings with all care partners (Elders, employees, and family members) for six years now. For them, it has remained a vibrant and important gathering time for the community which helps them to grow closer and improve life throughout the home.
Living with dementia is about changing abilities, not necessarily growing older. You can be a younger adult and still live with dementia. It’s true that, statistically speaking, a large number of people living with dementia are older people. But to compartmentalize the experience of dementia as an aging issue alone is a very bad habit on the part of society.
You might think that the Eden Alternative Home Office Team might not have much new to learn when it comes to understanding and living what Elderhood has to offer. After all, we are immersed in the concept all day, every
We all know the scene. You are very a busy person, running here, there and everywhere. It is not unusual for you to grab a quick meal over the kitchen sink, while driving in the car, sitting in front of
The arts have an ability to sooth, move, and inspire us. When our lives are touched by the creativity of others, we often feel “called” to get in touch with our own. With this in mind, conference-goers at the Eden
We are very excited to announce that Sherbrooke Community Centre has been on the the Eden Alternative journey for 15 years; and what a wonderful 15 years it has been. We have so many reasons to celebrate and so many
The April issue of Provider features an article that challenges Americans “to grow up – or just grow old.” This caught my eye, as we talk a lot about perspectives on aging at The Eden Alternative. The issue is particularly
The first time I met Bill Thomas was in 1996 in San Marcos, Texas. My father was living with Alzheimer’s disease and had found home in a long-term care community new to the Eden Alternative journey. In town for an
The recent Neighborhood Guide Training with the team from Sunset Retirement Communities was a good reminder of why this training, and growing empowered teams of employee care partners, is so important for our 2014 New Year’s growth plans. Throughout the
What feeds your passion in caring for Elders? Is it the state and federal regulations? Is it the quality measures you are tracking? Is it the new guidelines coming out with the Affordable Care Act? Is it QAPI? Is it
Over the last couple of months, Virgil Thomas and I have blogged quite a bit about the impacts of ageism on both Elders and youth. In these blogs, we encouraged readers to embrace fully what ageism actually means: “prejudice against
Our third installment in our Fall Elder Stories series is brought with thanks to LifeBio and the Elders at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital. Helen Wollman owned a music shop in Baltimore for much of her life. She recalls having
The above questions were posed by James Stockdale, a retired admiral and highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, to open his introductory remarks in the 1992 Vice-Presidential debates. They were meant as a segue to a brief bio, for a TV
As we all know becoming well known is vital to the success of your care partner teams. When we make connections that deepen relationships we are able to grow and learn from each. On a larger scale, it is equally
Sitting in a local coffee shop, I recently overheard a couple of women talking about ageism and the havoc it wreaks on older people. Working for The Eden Alternative, I was clearly high-fiving them on the inside,
The culture change movement is doing incredible things in elder care and telling our stories, thanks to the power of blogs and social media, and believe it or not, The Eden Alternative is not the only one out there writing
We at The Eden Alternative have spent nearly twenty years thinking about how a life is well lived. The Eden Alternative Domains of Well Being were developed to try to capture the essence of a good life. Identity, Growth, Autonomy,
The Man Cave, a time honored home to the male fashion sense. But it took one man half a lifetime to get his, and he made it himself. When John Ahlenius moved into the Clermont Park retirement community he opted
Kingston Nursing Center in Conway, South Carolina is having a great time honoring National Scrabble Day. The team thought it would be fun to honor National Scrabble Day and the hot new game “Words with Friends” together. The Administrative Secretary
Spring is on the way! Now is the time to start dusting off the garden tools. Jack Carman of Design for Generations reminds us that gardening can play a powerful part in care plan development. An Eden Alternative value-added partner,
Worth the Effort: Renewing Commitment to Culture Change The Eden Steering Team at Spectrum Health Reed City Campus in Reed City, MI thought they had a good idea for 2012. Little did they know just how great an idea it
Erin Partridge, MA, ATR, RYT, Art Therapist, Life Enrichment Coordinator – Salem Lutheran Home, Oakland, CA We spent a sunny afternoon on the Terrace arranging our recent artwork into a ‘gallery’ on the wall of the activity room. As we
Set amid the gentle hills and farmlands of central Tennessee, sprawling Nashville attracts millions of visitors each year. The majority come to immerse themselves in music, whether at mainstream showcases like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand
Two new organizations are stepping up to ensure that their neighborhood teams are successful. Care partners from St. John’s Home in Rochester, NY (Joanne Panarisi-Bottone, Kristine Angevine, and Karen Natoli) and Epworth Village in Oklahoma City, OK (Linda Crawford) attended
At last week’s Green House Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., I had the opportunity to introduce Green House adopters to Embracing Elderhood, an Eden Alternative initiative that brings volunteers, age 16 and older, together with Elders through the power
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.
Calling on the Past to Heal the Present
This article, published in PS Magazine in the May/June 2016 issue, Pages 18-22, highlights how Elder stories are a source of healing not only on a personal level, but on a global one as well. Explore how two unique stories illustrate the vast
Elders, Children, and Music: A Strong Connection
A heart-warming story from Mercy Retirement & Care Center, Oakland, CA Emily Sanderson, a Certified Eden Associate and music therapist, at Mercy Retirement & Care Center had an idea. She knew many of the Elders had taught children or cared
The Kitchen Table
I recently watched a video about finance. The speaker began by explaining why he had an old beat-up kitchen table on stage. He talked about the history of that kitchen table, which came from his home. Although he discussed it
Finding Ourselves Through Our Teachers
What I love most about the concept of care partnership is the opportunity to discover new teachers and even be surprised by who they might be. The 18-year anniversary of my father’s passing has just recently come and gone, and
Pete’s Greatest Hit
Pete Rose is the all-time Major League leader in hits, games played, and at-bats. He won three World Series rings, three batting titles, one Most Valuable Player Award, two Gold Gloves, the Rookie of the Year Award, and also made
International Eden Elder Award Winner Honored in Local News
Alice Lute stole the show at the 2016 Eden Alternative International Conference… in more ways than one. Not only was she an honored recipient of the 2016 International Eden Elder Award alongside Lucy Kennedy, but she took away the top
No Time Like Now – Ask the Elders Why
Every two years The Eden Alternative puts on an event. This is not just any event. It is an EVENT! We call it our international conference, but it is an EVENT. Note the capitalization for emphasis. For me, my very
Changing the Game with the Passions Project
Sometimes amidst the chaos, there are moments of clarity, when we’re reminded why we do the work we do. I had one of those moments last October, during one of those speaking engagements when you’re not sure anyone really cares what you have to say.
Community Meetings Deepen Connectedness and Stimulate Growth
Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant, IA has been holding community meetings with all care partners (Elders, employees, and family members) for six years now. For them, it has remained a vibrant and important gathering time for the community which helps them to grow closer and improve life throughout the home.
Living with Dementia: “We Shall Overcome…”
Living with dementia is about changing abilities, not necessarily growing older. You can be a younger adult and still live with dementia. It’s true that, statistically speaking, a large number of people living with dementia are older people. But to compartmentalize the experience of dementia as an aging issue alone is a very bad habit on the part of society.
Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks?
You might think that the Eden Alternative Home Office Team might not have much new to learn when it comes to understanding and living what Elderhood has to offer. After all, we are immersed in the concept all day, every
A Different Perspective on Dining
We all know the scene. You are very a busy person, running here, there and everywhere. It is not unusual for you to grab a quick meal over the kitchen sink, while driving in the car, sitting in front of
How Does Art Contribute to Your Well-being?
It’s Time to Celebrate!
We are very excited to announce that Sherbrooke Community Centre has been on the the Eden Alternative journey for 15 years; and what a wonderful 15 years it has been. We have so many reasons to celebrate and so many
Boomers Face Cultural Conundrum
The April issue of Provider features an article that challenges Americans “to grow up – or just grow old.” This caught my eye, as we talk a lot about perspectives on aging at The Eden Alternative. The issue is particularly
Culture Change is for Everyone – Talkin' Bout a Revolution
The first time I met Bill Thomas was in 1996 in San Marcos, Texas. My father was living with Alzheimer’s disease and had found home in a long-term care community new to the Eden Alternative journey. In town for an
Remembering the Why’s
The recent Neighborhood Guide Training with the team from Sunset Retirement Communities was a good reminder of why this training, and growing empowered teams of employee care partners, is so important for our 2014 New Year’s growth plans. Throughout the
Where’s the Passion?
What feeds your passion in caring for Elders? Is it the state and federal regulations? Is it the quality measures you are tracking? Is it the new guidelines coming out with the Affordable Care Act? Is it QAPI? Is it
“Building Bridges” Between Youth and Elders
Over the last couple of months, Virgil Thomas and I have blogged quite a bit about the impacts of ageism on both Elders and youth. In these blogs, we encouraged readers to embrace fully what ageism actually means: “prejudice against
An Elder's Story: Helen Wollman
Our third installment in our Fall Elder Stories series is brought with thanks to LifeBio and the Elders at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital. Helen Wollman owned a music shop in Baltimore for much of her life. She recalls having
“Who Am I? Why Am I Here?”
The above questions were posed by James Stockdale, a retired admiral and highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, to open his introductory remarks in the 1992 Vice-Presidential debates. They were meant as a segue to a brief bio, for a TV
Calling all Eden Alternative Registry Members…We want to feature you!
As we all know becoming well known is vital to the success of your care partner teams. When we make connections that deepen relationships we are able to grow and learn from each. On a larger scale, it is equally
Ageism . . . Not Just for Grown-ups
Sitting in a local coffee shop, I recently overheard a couple of women talking about ageism and the havoc it wreaks on older people. Working for The Eden Alternative, I was clearly high-fiving them on the inside,
Arkansas Culture Change Blog Reminds Us That Perspective is Everything
The culture change movement is doing incredible things in elder care and telling our stories, thanks to the power of blogs and social media, and believe it or not, The Eden Alternative is not the only one out there writing
Never Outgrow Growth
We at The Eden Alternative have spent nearly twenty years thinking about how a life is well lived. The Eden Alternative Domains of Well Being were developed to try to capture the essence of a good life. Identity, Growth, Autonomy,
Stylin' and Retiren'
The Man Cave, a time honored home to the male fashion sense. But it took one man half a lifetime to get his, and he made it himself. When John Ahlenius moved into the Clermont Park retirement community he opted
Words With Elders
Kingston Nursing Center in Conway, South Carolina is having a great time honoring National Scrabble Day. The team thought it would be fun to honor National Scrabble Day and the hot new game “Words with Friends” together. The Administrative Secretary
Gardens Support Care
Spring is on the way! Now is the time to start dusting off the garden tools. Jack Carman of Design for Generations reminds us that gardening can play a powerful part in care plan development. An Eden Alternative value-added partner,
Renewing Commitment to Culture Change
Worth the Effort: Renewing Commitment to Culture Change The Eden Steering Team at Spectrum Health Reed City Campus in Reed City, MI thought they had a good idea for 2012. Little did they know just how great an idea it
Art Brings Forth Expression and Innovation
Erin Partridge, MA, ATR, RYT, Art Therapist, Life Enrichment Coordinator – Salem Lutheran Home, Oakland, CA We spent a sunny afternoon on the Terrace arranging our recent artwork into a ‘gallery’ on the wall of the activity room. As we
Visit Nashville this December!
Set amid the gentle hills and farmlands of central Tennessee, sprawling Nashville attracts millions of visitors each year. The majority come to immerse themselves in music, whether at mainstream showcases like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand
New Eden Alternative Neighborhood Guides Come Out of Sewickley, PA Training
Two new organizations are stepping up to ensure that their neighborhood teams are successful. Care partners from St. John’s Home in Rochester, NY (Joanne Panarisi-Bottone, Kristine Angevine, and Karen Natoli) and Epworth Village in Oklahoma City, OK (Linda Crawford) attended
Embracing Elderhood Changes Lives Across Generations
At last week’s Green House Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., I had the opportunity to introduce Green House adopters to Embracing Elderhood, an Eden Alternative initiative that brings volunteers, age 16 and older, together with Elders through the power