Founded in 1991 by Dr. William H. Thomas, M.D., the Eden Alternative is one of the fastest growing culture change philosophies being incorporated into long-term care communities. The core concept of the Eden Alternative is strikingly simple. Transform the sterile medical institutions into “Human Habitats.” Eden organizations are rediscovering the sacred work of caregiving. They are dedicated to eliminating the plagues of Loneliness, Helplessness and Boredom that make life intolerable in many long-term care communities today.

The Eden Alternative shows how companion animals, the opportunity to give back meaningful care to other living creatures and others and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment can succeed where pills and therapies often fail. Homes that have adopted The Eden Alternative typically are filled with plants, animals and are regularly visited by children.

The Eden Alternative is also about changing the culture of long-term care organizations. The departmentalized, task-orientation of the current medical model has created a culture that is characterized by pessimism, cynicism and stinginess. By moving away from the top-down bureaucratic approach to management and moving decision-making closer to the Elders, Eden organizations are rediscovering the true meaning of the sacred work of caregiving.

Studies show that implementation of The Eden Alternative model of care is a powerful tool for improving the overall quality of life for those living in long-term care communities. Also, in homes that have adopted the philosophy, there is often improved staff satisfaction and retention and significant decreases in the overuse of medications and restraints. Most importantly, there is a higher quality of life, meaning residents complain less and there is less behavioral problems.

The Eden Alternative philosophy is centered around ten (10) principles. Although many nursing facilities may have plants, animals and children, only those organizations that are willing to commit to striving for all ten principles are considered to be Edenizing.

“The Eden Alternative, Inc. (“Eden Alternative”) is organized for the purpose of improving the quality of life and the well-being of the elders who live in long-term care facilities. The Eden Alternative is committed to the task of deinstitutionalizing the management patterns, role descriptions and physical environments currently used in elder care by teaching others to see these environments as vibrant and vigorous habitats for human beings rather than facilities for the frail and elderly. The Eden Alternative’s new approach also encourages a lively and collaborative process that blends a wide range of innovations and concepts into the future of elder care, including the care of other living creatures such as companion animals, indoor plants, gardens and children. The hope is that variety and spontaneity that marks an enlivened environment can succeed where medical therapies fail.

These aims are being accomplished by developing educational activities and resources that include teaching The Eden Alternative’s philosophy and values embodied in The Eden Alternative Ten Principles. By developing relationships with organizations and people that are committed to creating better social and physical environments, we are capable of bringing the principles and practices of The Eden Alternative into the hearts and minds of all those who care about elders while also building coalitions of long-term care facilities that want to improve that quality of care they provide for their residents and staff. These principles form the foundation through which a long-term care home can begin to change the culture of its organization to provide a more efficient, energized caregiving staff and a better quality of life for the elders who live there. Attached is a copy of The Eden Alternative Ten Principles.

The Eden Alternative’s educational activities include:

• Presentations about The Eden Alternative’s philosophy
• Workshops for organizations that are working toward joining The Eden Alternative Registry or are incorporating other transformational change into the care of elders
• Training sessions on The Eden Alternative’s strategies and techniques and how they can be implemented into these communities.

These activities are held nationally and internationally for elders, staff, families and volunteers, and are conducted by the founders, the Executive Director and Eden Educators of The Eden Alternative.