Transforming the care relationship from an institutional approach to a person-directed approach is about more than assigning people new tasks or announcing that ‘We are going to do this differently. Ta-da!’
The transformation requires a change of mindset and habits, both of which require ongoing practice!
By Denise Hyde
Membership Engagement Guide
The Eden Alternative
The Eden Alternative is facilitating an Online Learning Collaborative: Member Practice Boot Camp, that kicks off March 12, 2025. Members can register through the “Events” tab in the Eden Community.
Want to join membership and attend? Sign up here.
The Importance Of Practice
The Eden Alternative recognizes the importance of practice. That is why the Eden Approach is principle-based.
We provide a set of tools, which require practice and gain traction when they become a habit. The call of the institutional model, and medical model thinking, is quite seductive. Real and lasting transformation happens by embracing foundational principles and using tools that engage and empower everyone in the care relationship.
Building New Habits
Eden Membership provides Practices that are all about building new habits or doing what you are already doing differently. On the surface you might assume each Practice is just a once-and-done (the institutional approach). To truly embed person-directed care as a new habit, the way you do things now, takes ongoing practice. When it is hardwired into people’s thoughts and actions, it cannot be easily undone.
The keys are repetition, review, reflection, and ongoing practice (hence the name).
Work On What Is Relevant To Your Goals
The Member Practice Boot Camp learning collaborative is a chance for Eden Members to choose a Practice that is relevant to their goals and next steps. Participants will learn about how to use the Practices to master the skills needed to implement them and sustain them even in the face of competing priorities, management, employee and owner changes.
Final Thoughts
Members, register for the March 12 learning collaborative today via the “Events” tab in your Eden Community.
Not a member quite yet? Visit https://www.edenalt.org/what-we-offer-membership/ to sign up and attend the collaborative.
Sustainability is the only way we all can have a different experience as we age and live with changing abilities. Practice is the key, not just for today, but for our future too. Are you ready to start practicing?
About The Eden Alternative
Our Mission: To improve the well-being of Elders and their care partners by transforming the communities in which they live and work.
The Eden Alternative offers educational opportunities, consultation and a proven approach to honoring Elderhood – with resources for Elders and care partners to elevate well-being.
About Denise Hyde
Denise Hyde has been involved with The Eden Alternative® since 1997 and part of the home office team since 2009. As Membership Engagement Guide, Denise guides and supports organizations with implementation, creates resources, develops educational tools and materials, and supports networking opportunities between individuals and organizations.
