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
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
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
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.
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
“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.
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!
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 —
This post by Dr. Al Power was published on ChangingAging.org on August 10, 2016. Recently, I posted a provocative argument for considering locked doors as physical restraints. I have received many comments about the post; and as promised, I am
This post by Dr. Al Power was published on ChangingAging.org on July 30, 2016. Imagine if we considered locked doors in memory care wards as restraints. Having given many seminars on restraint reduction 15-20 years ago, I am very familiar
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
Yesterday, the Washington Post published an article entitled “Promise You’ll Never Put Me in a Nursing Home.” I agree with Dr. Bill’s Thomas’ assertion in this piece that having the right language for what we’re asking for is really the
As I hang a new calendar on the wall, I am reminded of what an amazing and fulfilling year 2015 was. I was able to travel to 33 cities in 18 states, and another 13 cities in 7 other countries,
The Arbor’s of Del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on October 27, 2015. When you come into this beautiful Southern New Mexico home you will find 24 Elders thriving and enjoying the natural rhythm
In 2014, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) awarded The Eden Alternative grant dollars to support Oklahoma’s reduction of antipsychotic drug use through the delivery of Dementia Beyond Drugs training.
Last week, I had the opportunity to fire off two critical emails. The first was a rather pointed response to an article in the Australia Financial News. Thanks to my Australian friend Mick Carmody, I was able to see a copy and to help ensure that it would get out to the world.
While attending Alzheimer’s Disease International in Perth, Australia last April, I was invited by Executive Director Marc Wortmann to attend a meeting to share opinions about what our top priorities should be regarding Alzheimer’s.
Hank Hartsell is the Deputy Commissioner of Protective Health Services for the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). OSDH has granted funds to help representatives of Oklahoma nursing homes learn more about reducing antipsychotics for those who live with
Have you been more aware in your later years of the value of those deep and personal relationships with friends, family members, and fellow congregants? I find more and more value in these connections, in volunteering, in social activism than I have in the past. I desperately want others to share my journey, and I want to share theirs.
Changing the disrespectful and disempowering language often used to refer to people with dementia will help remove discrimination, stigma and isolation, writes Kate Swaffer.
USA Today reports that about 61% of all nursing homes got lower quality-of-care scores as a result of the new CMS 5-Star changes. About 28% of nursing homes dropped one star in their overall ratings, including more than 1,200 that lost coveted five-star status. The biggest changes are the usage rate of antipsychotics is now a factor in the rating along with more difficult quality and staffing level measures.
Since 2011, three states have provided funded registration for this training to hundreds of nursing home employees through the support of CMP funds. This year, Oklahoma is stepping up to the plate by welcoming geriatrician and award-winning author Dr. Al Power to facilitate three Dementia Beyond Drugs events in May 2015.
Explore the complex ethical questions surrounding Dementia and why these debates are even an issue. How exactly does our declinist view of aging affect even those living with dementia.
I didn’t make it to the Gerontological Society of America conference this week, but McKnight’s reports that a study was presented highlighting the frequent episodes of “resident-on-resident mistreatment” in nursing homes, affecting as many as 20 percent of those residents every month. The “acute urgency” of the problem was stressed in the talk.
I’ve always found the term “awareness” as in “cancer awareness” to be interesting. It is one of those catch-all phrases that gets used whenever we are talking about some problem or another. What does it really mean?
A doctor noted for his role as a key architect of President Obama’s healthcare reform reminded us just how narrow the lens of the medical model is when it comes to aging. In an article posted this morning in the
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.
Last week, someone asked me to clarify some things about our Dementia Beyond Drugs training that made me realize that there are still some misconceptions floating around out there regarding the vision behind it. I’d like to share some of my thoughts on this, while noting that Dr. Al Power, the award-winning author of the book by the same name, may have a few of his own.
In my role as an SLP and family educator, I often explain the importance of meeting people with dementia where they are. This usually leads to a conversation about lying to loved ones, which makes everyone uncomfortable at first. Even
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 recent announcement that the national goal of reducing the use of antipsychotic medications by 15% has been met is welcome news. This is a worthy goal that has no doubt improved quality of life for many elders and their
As we begin the New Year, our webinar series draws to a close. We have discussed the limitations of a narrow biomedical view of dementia and have learned how even our efforts to be person-centered can often fall short. And
I hold dear a particular moment during the 2010 Eden Alternative International Conference in Denver. During the evening welcoming ceremony, residents from the North Star Community in Denver gathered in a circle at the center of the space and began
Today, as I celebrate another birthday, I marvel at life’s twists and turns. This has been another surprising year, another opportunity to grow and to engage meaningfully with the world around me. And I look forward to the surprises that
There are times in life when you say to yourself that there has been enough talk and now it’s time for action. I am an action-oriented person, and my inner voice says this to me all the time. I have
“Is it safe?” For those of a certain age, this line will forever be associated with a particularly harrowing scene from John Schlesinger’s 1976 film Marathon Man. In that scene, Sir Laurence Olivier (playing a Nazi war criminal), tortures Dustin
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
Things are heating up in the race to reduce antipsychotic use. Three weeks ago, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new statistics ranking Tennessee as one of the top five states to significantly reduce the use of
Excellent reading: Dr. Richard Taylor writes about his personal experience with dementia and cancer. I am Richard Taylor, “long time no see.” It has been six months since last I sent out an epistle. I am still living with more
A new study spreads good news about the use of antipsychotic medication. It’s going away. Tennessee ranked fifth nationally in dementia drug reduction following a two year study period. This success is due to a strong movement towards person-directed care
And at Eden Registry Member, The Canterbury Care & Rehab Center in Cedar Grove, NJ, all the Elders truly are players. Therapeutic activity director, Ricardo Pena has created an awesome, full-scale theater company with the residents there. Tim Mullaney over at McKnight’s happens to
It seems like there are many stories that are coming into my life lately that centered around eliminating the plague of helplessness. This is a wonderful change. It is easy for many of us to understand the concepts and feelings
A recent New York Times article quoting award-winning author Dr. Al Power reminds us that people living with dementia have much to teach us about being fully present with one another. “Empathy Without Boundaries” highlights how individuals living with dementia
The Eden Alternative and LindenGrove, Inc. are partners on a grant proposal to fund Dementia Beyond Drugs training based on the award-winning book by G. Allen Power of the same name, Dementia Beyond Drugs. The 2-day training from The Eden Alternative applies person-directed care
A few days ago I was lecturing my 14 year-old about safety and his passion for snowboarding and long boarding (skateboarding with a longer board). “Mom,” he told me, “You are asking me to hold back on what I love!”
A recent article in McKnight’s Long Term Care magazine highlights a study that concludes it is safe in most cases to eliminate antipsychotic drugs without risking adverse outcomes for Elders. This study supports the current initiatives from CMS, AHCA, and
Last week, the first of three multi-day events took place in Nashville, TN, focusing on the reduction of anti-psychotic drugs (see Chris Perna’s recent post for the details). This collaboration between The Eden Alternative and the Tennessee Department of Health,
A press release issued today by the Tennessee Department of Health states that the Office of Health Care Facilities has secured a CMP grant totaling more than $370,000 to provide training for 749 people including nursing home direct care staff members,
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
Following are excerpts from an article with the same title as this post written by Kathleen Lourde that appears in the September issue of Provider Magazine, both the print and on-line versions. G. Allen Power, MD, author of “Dementia Beyond
Imagine a memory care home that never mentions words like “confusion, memory loss, or dementia” when you are talking with them. These words often come up in conversation with teams that care for those living with dementia. Introducing, Chateau Gardens
The Eden Alternative joined over a 1,000 culture change enthusiasts in Jacksonville, Florida, last weekend to kick off the Pioneer Network’s 12th National Conference, Building a Bridge to a New Culture in Aging. On Sunday, the 5th of August, our
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a national action plan aimed at reducing the use of antipsychotics by raising public awareness, increasing public reporting, regulatory oversight and research and assistance. The Eden Alternative has responded by launching two new groundbreaking programs to help reduce the off-label use of antipsychotic drugs: Reframing Dementia and Dementia Beyond Drugs.
The Eden Alternative is launching new trainings focused on helping long-term care communities see dementia through new eyes. The new two-day training Dementia Beyond Drugs: Changing the Culture of Care, based on Dr. Al Power’s award-winning book of the same name, debuted Feb. 8 in Providence, R.I., and attracted dementia caregivers from around the U.S. and Canada.
There are two webinars left in our three part webinar series featuring Dr. Al Power and his award winning book Dementia Beyond Drugs. Click here to register! In the second part of the series Sept. 28, Dr. Power will focus
Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Alzheimer’s Association Education Symposium “Changing Minds” presented by Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado in partnership with the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine Oct. 12 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center. The one day
Alternative Approaches to Care and Well-Being: Two Success Stories Alternative therapies and approaches to care can significantly enhance person-directed care practices. Those committed to shifting the culture of care understand the importance of quality of life and maximizing one’s potential
The Eden Alternative blog commends reporter John Darling for leading a news story on Eden Alternative registered home Roxy Ann Memory Community with this simple but powerful pro-aging statement.
The UK-based Accord Housing Association is reporting a dramatic fall in the number of residents being prescribed psycotropic drugs from 47% to just 2% since adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy. The association conducted a trial study to reduce the use of
LeadingAge Ohio and the Eden Alternative are proud to co-sponor a ground-breaking day-long workshop July 22 focused on the new “experiential” model of dementia care that provides a drug-free, person-centered approach to treating people living with dementia. Lead by Eden
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
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
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
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.
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 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.
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!
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 —
The Hidden Restraint, Part 2
This post by Dr. Al Power was published on ChangingAging.org on August 10, 2016. Recently, I posted a provocative argument for considering locked doors as physical restraints. I have received many comments about the post; and as promised, I am
The Hidden Restraint, Part 1
This post by Dr. Al Power was published on ChangingAging.org on July 30, 2016. Imagine if we considered locked doors in memory care wards as restraints. Having given many seminars on restraint reduction 15-20 years ago, I am very familiar
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
Consumer Education Changes the Game Where Care is Concerned
Yesterday, the Washington Post published an article entitled “Promise You’ll Never Put Me in a Nursing Home.” I agree with Dr. Bill’s Thomas’ assertion in this piece that having the right language for what we’re asking for is really the
Looking Back, Looking Forward
As I hang a new calendar on the wall, I am reminded of what an amazing and fulfilling year 2015 was. I was able to travel to 33 cities in 18 states, and another 13 cities in 7 other countries,
Welcome The Arbors of Del Rey to the Eden Registry
The Arbor’s of Del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on October 27, 2015. When you come into this beautiful Southern New Mexico home you will find 24 Elders thriving and enjoying the natural rhythm
Oklahoma Sees Results from Dementia Training… and More is On the Way
In 2014, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) awarded The Eden Alternative grant dollars to support Oklahoma’s reduction of antipsychotic drug use through the delivery of Dementia Beyond Drugs training.
Hello, Richard
“Hello. My name is Richard, and I have dementia, probably of the Alzheimer’s type.”
A Community Approach To Dementia
Tempe, Arizona is pioneering the concept of the Dementia-friendly city as a possible community based solution to Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Real Change Is Possible
Person-directed care, I believe, is fundamental to making lasting change to this country’s long-term care system.
Sins of Commission, Sins of Omission
Last week, I had the opportunity to fire off two critical emails. The first was a rather pointed response to an article in the Australia Financial News. Thanks to my Australian friend Mick Carmody, I was able to see a copy and to help ensure that it would get out to the world.
The Cure is Not My Top Priority
While attending Alzheimer’s Disease International in Perth, Australia last April, I was invited by Executive Director Marc Wortmann to attend a meeting to share opinions about what our top priorities should be regarding Alzheimer’s.
Reflections on Making a Difference in Oklahoma
Hank Hartsell is the Deputy Commissioner of Protective Health Services for the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). OSDH has granted funds to help representatives of Oklahoma nursing homes learn more about reducing antipsychotics for those who live with
Driving From Houston to Anchorage
Have you been more aware in your later years of the value of those deep and personal relationships with friends, family members, and fellow congregants? I find more and more value in these connections, in volunteering, in social activism than I have in the past. I desperately want others to share my journey, and I want to share theirs.
The Power Of Language
Changing the disrespectful and disempowering language often used to refer to people with dementia will help remove discrimination, stigma and isolation, writes Kate Swaffer.
Are Your Stars Fading?
USA Today reports that about 61% of all nursing homes got lower quality-of-care scores as a result of the new CMS 5-Star changes. About 28% of nursing homes dropped one star in their overall ratings, including more than 1,200 that lost coveted five-star status. The biggest changes are the usage rate of antipsychotics is now a factor in the rating along with more difficult quality and staffing level measures.
Oklahoma Takes on Dementia Beyond Drugs
Since 2011, three states have provided funded registration for this training to hundreds of nursing home employees through the support of CMP funds. This year, Oklahoma is stepping up to the plate by welcoming geriatrician and award-winning author Dr. Al Power to facilitate three Dementia Beyond Drugs events in May 2015.
Forget About Memory! Focus on Imagination
Providing music to nursing home residents is a no-brainer. What has to happen next to create real changes in dementia care? #DisruptAging
Beginner Steps in Communicating With People Living With Dementia
Becoming Well-Known is one of our key principles and effective, empathetic, communication is the best way to start.
Confronting Dementism
Explore the complex ethical questions surrounding Dementia and why these debates are even an issue. How exactly does our declinist view of aging affect even those living with dementia.
Reading Round-Up
Story highlights from around the world of aging and the Eden Alternative Family.
Time to Get Serious
I didn’t make it to the Gerontological Society of America conference this week, but McKnight’s reports that a study was presented highlighting the frequent episodes of “resident-on-resident mistreatment” in nursing homes, affecting as many as 20 percent of those residents every month. The “acute urgency” of the problem was stressed in the talk.
Dementia Awareness
I’ve always found the term “awareness” as in “cancer awareness” to be interesting. It is one of those catch-all phrases that gets used whenever we are talking about some problem or another. What does it really mean?
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel: Open Mouth, Insert Foot
A doctor noted for his role as a key architect of President Obama’s healthcare reform reminded us just how narrow the lens of the medical model is when it comes to aging. In an article posted this morning in the
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.
In Pursuit of the Tipping Point
Last week, someone asked me to clarify some things about our Dementia Beyond Drugs training that made me realize that there are still some misconceptions floating around out there regarding the vision behind it. I’d like to share some of my thoughts on this, while noting that Dr. Al Power, the award-winning author of the book by the same name, may have a few of his own.
Dementia communication tip: Say yes.
In my role as an SLP and family educator, I often explain the importance of meeting people with dementia where they are. This usually leads to a conversation about lying to loved ones, which makes everyone uncomfortable at first. Even
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
Don’t Get Too Comforable
The recent announcement that the national goal of reducing the use of antipsychotic medications by 15% has been met is welcome news. This is a worthy goal that has no doubt improved quality of life for many elders and their
Creating Joy
As we begin the New Year, our webinar series draws to a close. We have discussed the limitations of a narrow biomedical view of dementia and have learned how even our efforts to be person-centered can often fall short. And
Rhythm for Unity: Drumming and Person-Directed Care
I hold dear a particular moment during the 2010 Eden Alternative International Conference in Denver. During the evening welcoming ceremony, residents from the North Star Community in Denver gathered in a circle at the center of the space and began
Defining Purpose, Meaning, & Growth
Today, as I celebrate another birthday, I marvel at life’s twists and turns. This has been another surprising year, another opportunity to grow and to engage meaningfully with the world around me. And I look forward to the surprises that
Time for Action
There are times in life when you say to yourself that there has been enough talk and now it’s time for action. I am an action-oriented person, and my inner voice says this to me all the time. I have
“Is It Safe?”
“Is it safe?” For those of a certain age, this line will forever be associated with a particularly harrowing scene from John Schlesinger’s 1976 film Marathon Man. In that scene, Sir Laurence Olivier (playing a Nazi war criminal), tortures Dustin
“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
Kentucky Joins Tennessee in Doing the “Right Thing”
Things are heating up in the race to reduce antipsychotic use. Three weeks ago, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new statistics ranking Tennessee as one of the top five states to significantly reduce the use of
Richard Taylor Checks In After Battling Cancer
Excellent reading: Dr. Richard Taylor writes about his personal experience with dementia and cancer. I am Richard Taylor, “long time no see.” It has been six months since last I sent out an epistle. I am still living with more
When Person-Directed Care Really Works
A new study spreads good news about the use of antipsychotic medication. It’s going away. Tennessee ranked fifth nationally in dementia drug reduction following a two year study period. This success is due to a strong movement towards person-directed care
Life Is A Stage
And at Eden Registry Member, The Canterbury Care & Rehab Center in Cedar Grove, NJ, all the Elders truly are players. Therapeutic activity director, Ricardo Pena has created an awesome, full-scale theater company with the residents there. Tim Mullaney over at McKnight’s happens to
Ending Helplessness One Story At A Time
It seems like there are many stories that are coming into my life lately that centered around eliminating the plague of helplessness. This is a wonderful change. It is easy for many of us to understand the concepts and feelings
NY Times Article Features Heightened Empathy in People Who Live with Dementia
A recent New York Times article quoting award-winning author Dr. Al Power reminds us that people living with dementia have much to teach us about being fully present with one another. “Empathy Without Boundaries” highlights how individuals living with dementia
Bringing Dementia Training to Wisconsin
The Eden Alternative and LindenGrove, Inc. are partners on a grant proposal to fund Dementia Beyond Drugs training based on the award-winning book by G. Allen Power of the same name, Dementia Beyond Drugs. The 2-day training from The Eden Alternative applies person-directed care
Facilitating Life Passions: Celebrate the Person, Grow the Team
A few days ago I was lecturing my 14 year-old about safety and his passion for snowboarding and long boarding (skateboarding with a longer board). “Mom,” he told me, “You are asking me to hold back on what I love!”
Safe to Reduce Antipsychotics Says New Study
A recent article in McKnight’s Long Term Care magazine highlights a study that concludes it is safe in most cases to eliminate antipsychotic drugs without risking adverse outcomes for Elders. This study supports the current initiatives from CMS, AHCA, and
Tennessee Takes on Antipsychotic Drug Reduction
Last week, the first of three multi-day events took place in Nashville, TN, focusing on the reduction of anti-psychotic drugs (see Chris Perna’s recent post for the details). This collaboration between The Eden Alternative and the Tennessee Department of Health,
Eden Alternative Delivers Major Dementia Training Initiative in Tennessee
A press release issued today by the Tennessee Department of Health states that the Office of Health Care Facilities has secured a CMP grant totaling more than $370,000 to provide training for 749 people including nursing home direct care staff members,
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
Bridging the Gap in Dementia Care
Following are excerpts from an article with the same title as this post written by Kathleen Lourde that appears in the September issue of Provider Magazine, both the print and on-line versions. G. Allen Power, MD, author of “Dementia Beyond
A Memory Care Home That is Making Memories Daily
Imagine a memory care home that never mentions words like “confusion, memory loss, or dementia” when you are talking with them. These words often come up in conversation with teams that care for those living with dementia. Introducing, Chateau Gardens
The Eden Alternative Hits the Pioneer Network Conference
The Eden Alternative joined over a 1,000 culture change enthusiasts in Jacksonville, Florida, last weekend to kick off the Pioneer Network’s 12th National Conference, Building a Bridge to a New Culture in Aging. On Sunday, the 5th of August, our
CMS and AHCA Call for Reduced Use of Antipsychotic Drugs — How are You Addressing this Issue?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a national action plan aimed at reducing the use of antipsychotics by raising public awareness, increasing public reporting, regulatory oversight and research and assistance. The Eden Alternative has responded by launching two new groundbreaking programs to help reduce the off-label use of antipsychotic drugs: Reframing Dementia and Dementia Beyond Drugs.
Eden Alternative Trainings Offer New Way to See Dementia
The Eden Alternative is launching new trainings focused on helping long-term care communities see dementia through new eyes. The new two-day training Dementia Beyond Drugs: Changing the Culture of Care, based on Dr. Al Power’s award-winning book of the same name, debuted Feb. 8 in Providence, R.I., and attracted dementia caregivers from around the U.S. and Canada.
Dementia Beyond Drugs: A Culture Change Perspective
There are two webinars left in our three part webinar series featuring Dr. Al Power and his award winning book Dementia Beyond Drugs. Click here to register! In the second part of the series Sept. 28, Dr. Power will focus
'Changing Minds' Alzheimer's Education Symposium This October in Colorado
Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Alzheimer’s Association Education Symposium “Changing Minds” presented by Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado in partnership with the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine Oct. 12 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center. The one day
Fall Webinars You Do Not Want to Miss!
Alternative Approaches to Care and Well-Being: Two Success Stories Alternative therapies and approaches to care can significantly enhance person-directed care practices. Those committed to shifting the culture of care understand the importance of quality of life and maximizing one’s potential
Oregon Eden Alternative Home Builds a 'Community of Memory'
The Eden Alternative blog commends reporter John Darling for leading a news story on Eden Alternative registered home Roxy Ann Memory Community with this simple but powerful pro-aging statement.
UK Study Finds Use of Psychotropic Drugs Nearly Eliminated Under Eden Alternative
The UK-based Accord Housing Association is reporting a dramatic fall in the number of residents being prescribed psycotropic drugs from 47% to just 2% since adopting the Eden Alternative philosophy. The association conducted a trial study to reduce the use of
Explore 'Dementia Beyond Drugs' With LeadingAge Ohio and Eden Alternative
LeadingAge Ohio and the Eden Alternative are proud to co-sponor a ground-breaking day-long workshop July 22 focused on the new “experiential” model of dementia care that provides a drug-free, person-centered approach to treating people living with dementia. Lead by Eden