The Eden Alternative is coming up in some interesting conversations lately. In the last 2 weeks alone, we have landed on the pages of the AARP Bulletin, scored an interview with Mary Eileen Williams of Feisty Side of Fifty Radio,
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge 13 practices down. 15 to go. Today, our focus is on Practices 14-20. As I said in Part 1 of this 4-blog series, we see GivingTuesday (December 3) as a chance to engage lots of different
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge Six practices down. Twenty-two to go. Today, we will unpack Practices 7-13. As I said last week in the first part of this 4-blog series, we see #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3) as an opportunity to engage lots
In honor of #GivingTuesday on December 3, we are giving you the gift of care. We bring you our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge. Each week, between now and December 3, we will post a new set of caring practices that put the person
Dr. Eleanor Feldman Barbera’s article in McKnights, “What worries me about trauma-informed care,” raises key concerns about implementation of the Phase 3 CMS mandates for nursing homes, and is a must-read as we seek to do the right thing in
I have news. Really good news. Grant funding has made it possible to fund a new position at The Eden Alternative through the first part of 2020. This news went from good to great when we found Danna Pentes to
The Eden Alternative is associated with higher CMS Star Ratings and lower anti-psychotic use. Wow! July was an exciting month for The Eden Alternative. We received results from two different studies showing significant correlation between the implementation of The Eden
Parker at Somerset, located in Somerset, NJ is the fourth Parker home to join the Eden Registry. They are in the process of a major renovation, which will transform the current, rather institutional looking environment into 3 smaller homes. While
We recently welcomed our newest Registry Member, The Oaks at Hampton! Located in Cumming, GA, this assisted living community knows what home is. As a part of Oaks Senior Living, the philosophy they live by is to enrich the lives
It’s throwback time. This 2017 post is getting a dusting off and another day in the sun. The Call for Presentations is open for our 2020 Eden Alternative International Conference until June 21, and we thought you could use some
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Kimberly Wood to the Eden Alternative Home Office Team. Kimberly will work closely with our Education Coordinator, Meredith Martin, as Education Support. Like Meredith, she makes Murfreesboro, Tennessee her home, alongside her
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
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
Woods Health Services, in La Verne, California joined the Eden Registry on August 13, 2018. Their inspiration to join the Registry grew out of their participation in a pair of California-based, grant projects featuring Eden Alternative education and consultation. For
Shalom Park in Aurora, Colorado joined the Eden Registry on July 18, 2018. Shalom Park prides itself on making Elders feel at home. The rich daily life is palpable. This community was built as a residence in the early 1990’s
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab – Cobb in Marietta, Georgia, joined the Eden Registry on April 27, 2018. For more than 110 years, A.G. Rhodes has served the Atlanta community by creating a warm family environment, where every Elder is
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.
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Anne Basting, Founder of TimeSlips, about the power of creativity, how it enables us to be fully self-expressed, and its ability to revolutionize relationships. On May 3, Anne will open our 2018
Prairie Elder Homes in Overland Park, KS, joined the Eden Registry in January 30, 2018. Prairie Elder Homes are small residential homes that are purposefully located in residential neighborhoods. The setting is intimate with only eight residents and employee care
The right to determine how you are cared for, the right to live a life that truly reflects and celebrates who you are, regardless of age or ability – these are basic human rights. Worth rising up for? We, at
Signature Healthcare at Jackson Manor in Annville, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on January 23, 2018. This small rural community takes creating home very seriously by making sure that everyone that lives and works there has a strong sense of
Parker at Stonegate, Highland Park, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on January 4, 2018. Life at Parker at Stonegate is often compared to living at a luxury resort, where so many of your needs are taken care of that all
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
Signature HealthCARE of Glasgow Rehab & Wellness Center in Glasgow, KY joined the Eden Registry on December 28, 2017. Located in south central Kentucky, this community offers a wide variety of entertainment, historical sites, lakes, rivers, and some of the
Points West Living Stettler in Stettler, Alberta, joined the Eden Registry on November 14, 2017. This beautiful, modern home is located at the west edge of the town of Stettler. This peaceful community is surrounded by Stettler Sports Park on
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
Lee County Care and Rehabilitation in Beattyville, KY joined the Eden Registry on November 6, 2017. This small county home is located along the middle fork of the Kentucky River in the quaint town of Beattyville, Kentucky. Beattyville is best
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 of McCreary County Health and Rehab Center in Pine Knot, KY joined the Eden Registry on July 10, 2017. They are in a quaint community just outside of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is famously known for
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
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
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
Christie Gardens in Ontario, Canada joined the Eden Registry on March 27, 2017. Located in Toronto’s Davenport Neighborhood, near Seaton Village and The Annex, Christie Gardens Apartments & Care has been serving Elders in Toronto for over 30 years. The
Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center in Green River, WY joined the Eden Registry on March 23, 2016. Located in the high desert of Wyoming, they are surrounded by rolling green fields and pine trees that provide breath taking views
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
Mission at Community Rehab and Assisted Living in Centerfield, Utah joined the Eden Registry on February 20, 2017. This home is located in the quaint little country town of Centerfiled, Utah, a town that is rich in history and community.
Merwick Care and Rehabilitation in Plainsboro, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on January 12, 2017. This home was built with the Elders and environment at the core. The building is LEED certified which means the folks that live and work
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
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,
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
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
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
The Bridge at Rockwood in Rockwood , TN, joined the Eden Registry on July 29, 2016. This home is centrally located in the heart of Tennessee in the beautiful Roane County. When you pull up for a visit you are
4000 Valley Square in Grand Forks, ND, joined the Eden Registry on April 14, 2016. Elders in this community enjoy aging in place while benefiting from the many amenities this full continuum-of-care campus has to offer. Divided into 3 communities,
Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks, ND, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on April 15, 2016. The Elders and employee care partners are all about creating close and special relationships. They do this by dividing up into smaller neighborhoods with
Tufte Manor in Grand Forks, North Dakota, joined the Eden Registry on April 13, 2016. This is a special place with special people living and working here. They enjoy the fact that they are located in a neighborhood where they
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
Danville Centre for Health and Rehabilitation joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 13, 2016. This home is located in historical Danville, Kentucky, a small town that is rich in relationships and traditions. The 106 Elders that call Danville Centre
Signature Healthcare of Putnam County joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 12, 2016. Tucked away in the little town of Algood, TN, they are home to 150 empowered Elders. The folks who live and work here have gone to
Parkside Community in Chase, British Columbia, Canada, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 7, 2016, as our first new Registry Member of 2016. This is truly a living center with empowered Elders and employee care partners driving the rhythm
Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Brodhead, KY, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on November 9, 2015. They are home to 104 Elders, some of which come in only for a short time to receive rehabilitation services. In order to
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
Bracken County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Augusta, KY joined the Eden Alternative Registry on May 27, 2014. Located on 50 acres just 45 miles outside of greater Cincinnati in the rural community of Chatham, Kentucky, they are home to
The thing that continues to amaze me is that time and again I hear the refrain “I’m really not much of a writer.” I will hear this after just having read an amazing draft and it often reminds me of the Marianne Williamson quote “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
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
The time has come… the moment for change is now! Believe it or not, it’s been 28 years since OBRA ’87 introduced new regulatory language with the intent of making person-centered care the law of the land.
Jerry Seinfeld, a man that most of us associate with humor, was recently quoted as saying “Movement is life”. That gave me pause because it might imply that those who are largely stationary; those whose movements have become smaller and
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.
A year ago, I posted a blog about the efforts of the State of Kentucky to help decrease antipsychotic use. Like the State of Tennessee before them, Kentucky change agents had chosen education as a key feature of their reduction
In the mid-90’s, both my parents entered long-term care. My mother’s Alzheimer’s had progressed and my father suffered a physical collapse from trying to take care of her by himself, despite my repeated attempts to get him to accept help. They had pre-selected a physically beautiful campus, and the staff truly cared about my parents, but still, the place creeped me out. I lived in a different state, and flew in for visits often.
As conversations about QAPI heat up, it becomes exceedingly clear that person-directed practices are a powerful complement to performance improvement. Person-directed care actually strengthens efforts to improve clinical practice, aligning further with QAPI guidelines. Take mouth care, for example. When
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
Llanfair House in Wayne, NJ joined the Eden Registry on March 14, 2014. They are home to about 165 Elders. They are divided into three living areas. The building is designed so that each living area has its own patio
Stirring It Up: The Eden Alternative Gets Some Air Time
The Eden Alternative is coming up in some interesting conversations lately. In the last 2 weeks alone, we have landed on the pages of the AARP Bulletin, scored an interview with Mary Eileen Williams of Feisty Side of Fifty Radio,
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 3
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge 13 practices down. 15 to go. Today, our focus is on Practices 14-20. As I said in Part 1 of this 4-blog series, we see GivingTuesday (December 3) as a chance to engage lots of different
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 2
Our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge Six practices down. Twenty-two to go. Today, we will unpack Practices 7-13. As I said last week in the first part of this 4-blog series, we see #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3) as an opportunity to engage lots
28 Simple Practices for Inspired Influencers, Part 1
In honor of #GivingTuesday on December 3, we are giving you the gift of care. We bring you our #GivingTuesday Countdown Challenge. Each week, between now and December 3, we will post a new set of caring practices that put the person
First, Do No Harm
Dr. Eleanor Feldman Barbera’s article in McKnights, “What worries me about trauma-informed care,” raises key concerns about implementation of the Phase 3 CMS mandates for nursing homes, and is a must-read as we seek to do the right thing in
Introducing Danna Pentes
I have news. Really good news. Grant funding has made it possible to fund a new position at The Eden Alternative through the first part of 2020. This news went from good to great when we found Danna Pentes to
The Proof is in the Data
The Eden Alternative is associated with higher CMS Star Ratings and lower anti-psychotic use. Wow! July was an exciting month for The Eden Alternative. We received results from two different studies showing significant correlation between the implementation of The Eden
Parker at Somerset Joins the Eden Registry
Parker at Somerset, located in Somerset, NJ is the fourth Parker home to join the Eden Registry. They are in the process of a major renovation, which will transform the current, rather institutional looking environment into 3 smaller homes. While
Welcoming The Oaks at Hampton
We recently welcomed our newest Registry Member, The Oaks at Hampton! Located in Cumming, GA, this assisted living community knows what home is. As a part of Oaks Senior Living, the philosophy they live by is to enrich the lives
The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Submit a Conference Presentation Proposal
It’s throwback time. This 2017 post is getting a dusting off and another day in the sun. The Call for Presentations is open for our 2020 Eden Alternative International Conference until June 21, and we thought you could use some
Meet Kimberly Wood
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Kimberly Wood to the Eden Alternative Home Office Team. Kimberly will work closely with our Education Coordinator, Meredith Martin, as Education Support. Like Meredith, she makes Murfreesboro, Tennessee her home, alongside her
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
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
Woods Health Services Joins the Eden Registry!
Woods Health Services, in La Verne, California joined the Eden Registry on August 13, 2018. Their inspiration to join the Registry grew out of their participation in a pair of California-based, grant projects featuring Eden Alternative education and consultation. For
The Eden Registry Welcomes Shalom Park
Shalom Park in Aurora, Colorado joined the Eden Registry on July 18, 2018. Shalom Park prides itself on making Elders feel at home. The rich daily life is palpable. This community was built as a residence in the early 1990’s
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab – Cobb Joins the Eden Registry
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab – Cobb in Marietta, Georgia, joined the Eden Registry on April 27, 2018. For more than 110 years, A.G. Rhodes has served the Atlanta community by creating a warm family environment, where every Elder is
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.
A Conversation with Anne Basting, Founder & CEO of TimeSlips
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Anne Basting, Founder of TimeSlips, about the power of creativity, how it enables us to be fully self-expressed, and its ability to revolutionize relationships. On May 3, Anne will open our 2018
Giving Community, Connection, and Control Back to the Elders – Welcome Prairie Eldercare to the Eden Registry
Prairie Elder Homes in Overland Park, KS, joined the Eden Registry in January 30, 2018. Prairie Elder Homes are small residential homes that are purposefully located in residential neighborhoods. The setting is intimate with only eight residents and employee care
A City, a Story, a Movement…
The right to determine how you are cared for, the right to live a life that truly reflects and celebrates who you are, regardless of age or ability – these are basic human rights. Worth rising up for? We, at
Please Welcome Signature Healthcare’s 50th Home to the Eden Registry – Signature Healthcare at Jackson Manor
Signature Healthcare at Jackson Manor in Annville, Kentucky, joined the Eden Registry on January 23, 2018. This small rural community takes creating home very seriously by making sure that everyone that lives and works there has a strong sense of
Eden Welcomes the first Registry Member of 2018 – Parker at Stonegate!
Parker at Stonegate, Highland Park, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on January 4, 2018. Life at Parker at Stonegate is often compared to living at a luxury resort, where so many of your needs are taken care of that all
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
Signature HealthCARE Rounds Out 2017 with its 49th Registry Member!
Signature HealthCARE of Glasgow Rehab & Wellness Center in Glasgow, KY joined the Eden Registry on December 28, 2017. Located in south central Kentucky, this community offers a wide variety of entertainment, historical sites, lakes, rivers, and some of the
Join Us in Welcoming Points West Living – Stettler to the Eden Registry
Points West Living Stettler in Stettler, Alberta, joined the Eden Registry on November 14, 2017. This beautiful, modern home is located at the west edge of the town of Stettler. This peaceful community is surrounded by Stettler Sports Park on
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
Lee County Care and Rehab is Our Newest Registry Member!
Lee County Care and Rehabilitation in Beattyville, KY joined the Eden Registry on November 6, 2017. This small county home is located along the middle fork of the Kentucky River in the quaint town of Beattyville, Kentucky. Beattyville is best
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
The Eden Registry Welcomes Signature of McCreary County Health and Rehab Center
Signature Healthcare of McCreary County Health and Rehab Center in Pine Knot, KY joined the Eden Registry on July 10, 2017. They are in a quaint community just outside of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is famously known for
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
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
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
Christie Gardens Joins the Eden Registry
Christie Gardens in Ontario, Canada joined the Eden Registry on March 27, 2017. Located in Toronto’s Davenport Neighborhood, near Seaton Village and The Annex, Christie Gardens Apartments & Care has been serving Elders in Toronto for over 30 years. The
Help Us Welcome Mission at Castle Rock to the Registry
Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center in Green River, WY joined the Eden Registry on March 23, 2016. Located in the high desert of Wyoming, they are surrounded by rolling green fields and pine trees that provide breath taking views
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
Mission at Community Rehab and Assisted Living Joins the Eden Registry
Mission at Community Rehab and Assisted Living in Centerfield, Utah joined the Eden Registry on February 20, 2017. This home is located in the quaint little country town of Centerfiled, Utah, a town that is rich in history and community.
Welcome the First Registry Member of 2017 – Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center
Merwick Care and Rehabilitation in Plainsboro, NJ, joined the Eden Registry on January 12, 2017. This home was built with the Elders and environment at the core. The building is LEED certified which means the folks that live and work
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
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,
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
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
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
The Bridge at Rockwood Joins the Eden Registry
The Bridge at Rockwood in Rockwood , TN, joined the Eden Registry on July 29, 2016. This home is centrally located in the heart of Tennessee in the beautiful Roane County. When you pull up for a visit you are
4000 Valley Square Joins the Tribe
4000 Valley Square in Grand Forks, ND, joined the Eden Registry on April 14, 2016. Elders in this community enjoy aging in place while benefiting from the many amenities this full continuum-of-care campus has to offer. Divided into 3 communities,
The Third Valley Memorial Home in a Week! Welcome to the Eden Registry Valley Eldercare Center
Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks, ND, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on April 15, 2016. The Elders and employee care partners are all about creating close and special relationships. They do this by dividing up into smaller neighborhoods with
Welcome to the Eden Family Tufte Manor
Tufte Manor in Grand Forks, North Dakota, joined the Eden Registry on April 13, 2016. This is a special place with special people living and working here. They enjoy the fact that they are located in a neighborhood where they
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
Welcome Danville Centre for Health and Rehabilitation to the Tribe!
Danville Centre for Health and Rehabilitation joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 13, 2016. This home is located in historical Danville, Kentucky, a small town that is rich in relationships and traditions. The 106 Elders that call Danville Centre
Signature Healthcare of Putnam County: Off to a Great Start!
Signature Healthcare of Putnam County joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 12, 2016. Tucked away in the little town of Algood, TN, they are home to 150 empowered Elders. The folks who live and work here have gone to
A New Year, A New Addition – Parkside Community
Parkside Community in Chase, British Columbia, Canada, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on January 7, 2016, as our first new Registry Member of 2016. This is truly a living center with empowered Elders and employee care partners driving the rhythm
Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation Joins the Eden Registry
Rockcastle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Brodhead, KY, joined the Eden Alternative Registry on November 9, 2015. They are home to 104 Elders, some of which come in only for a short time to receive rehabilitation services. In order to
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
Welcome Bracken County Nursing Home To The Registry
Bracken County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Augusta, KY joined the Eden Alternative Registry on May 27, 2014. Located on 50 acres just 45 miles outside of greater Cincinnati in the rural community of Chatham, Kentucky, they are home to
Meaning And Purpose
The thing that continues to amaze me is that time and again I hear the refrain “I’m really not much of a writer.” I will hear this after just having read an amazing draft and it often reminds me of the Marianne Williamson quote “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
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
It’s About Time!
The time has come… the moment for change is now! Believe it or not, it’s been 28 years since OBRA ’87 introduced new regulatory language with the intent of making person-centered care the law of the land.
Movement Is Life
Jerry Seinfeld, a man that most of us associate with humor, was recently quoted as saying “Movement is life”. That gave me pause because it might imply that those who are largely stationary; those whose movements have become smaller and
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.
Mississippi Fights the Good Fight
A year ago, I posted a blog about the efforts of the State of Kentucky to help decrease antipsychotic use. Like the State of Tennessee before them, Kentucky change agents had chosen education as a key feature of their reduction
Personal Pets in Long-Term Care
In the mid-90’s, both my parents entered long-term care. My mother’s Alzheimer’s had progressed and my father suffered a physical collapse from trying to take care of her by himself, despite my repeated attempts to get him to accept help. They had pre-selected a physically beautiful campus, and the staff truly cared about my parents, but still, the place creeped me out. I lived in a different state, and flew in for visits often.
Customer Service Driven Therapy
What do you believe creates a great healing experience for someone who needs short-term care?
Person-Directed Mouth Care – A QAPI Strategy
As conversations about QAPI heat up, it becomes exceedingly clear that person-directed practices are a powerful complement to performance improvement. Person-directed care actually strengthens efforts to improve clinical practice, aligning further with QAPI guidelines. Take mouth care, for example. When
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
Welcome Aboard Llanfair House
Llanfair House in Wayne, NJ joined the Eden Registry on March 14, 2014. They are home to about 165 Elders. They are divided into three living areas. The building is designed so that each living area has its own patio