Members please log in and click this link The Eden Alternative - Creating a Life Worth Living for full version of this article.

How would it be if nursing homes became places where you would love to live the last years of your life because they were so full of life and vitality, real joy and genuine care? And if the time came when 24-hour care was needed the transition would be one to look forward to with great anticipation!

Well, here is some really great news. This is no longer just wishful thinking – this scenario does exist and it is called the 'Eden Alternative'.

Developed by Dr Bill Thomas who created the 10 Eden Principles; the basic concept is that each of us is born into a Garden of Eden; to live together with many different species of animals and plants and to be surrounded by people of all ages including children. This is what Dr Thomas calls Human Habitats; an “Edenized home”.

Everyday care of the habitat, and continuous growth of everything living within it, is the responsibility of those who live there. Support of those who live there caring for the habitat is the responsibility of those who work there.

However, the Eden Alternative is more than just flowers, fur, feathers and fins. It is founded on genuine care – where care is not mistaken for treatment. In an Edenized home, care means helping another person grow. Whether living there, working there or just visiting, the Eden Alternative provides a recipe for creating a community within a community; in which everyone enjoys being an active participant and grows and blossoms from the experience.

It is our hope that we become part of a community committed to this fundamental change of attitude and where care of the human spirit becomes as important as care of physical needs; and, just as importantly, where going into a nursing home is an event to look forward to with great anticipation.

Further reading – Click topic

• The Eden Alternative – Creating a Life Worth Living in a Nursing Home – Members Article – Jane Verity (Read the full article to learn about the birth of Eden and its founder, Dr Bill Thomas; discover the 3 plagues of care; what is an Eden home?; Learn the 10 Eden Principles; and the reason why the Eden Alternative is one of the best options for dementia specific centres.)
• Duty of Care – Different Interpretations! – Précis/Members article – Jane Verity (Read this article for further discussion on the interpretation of “duty of care” as a justification for restriction and control, an enlightening view on “fear of risk”, plus 3 positive interpretations for “duty of care”.)
• Checklist for Choosing the Right Aged Care Home – Members Tip Sheet – (Advice on different types of accommodation and home care support for people with dementia; plus comprehensive checklist and guide for comparing facilities and the services they offer; plus contact details for where to get help and advice about aged care, including further helpful links.)
• Concerns and Complaints in Residential Care – Members Tip Sheet – (Advice on concerns or complaints regarding your rights as a resident or those of a family member in care, including contact details for the Aged Care Information Line and further helpful links.)
• Hugs not Drugs – Members short article – Jane Verity (Discover 3 factors behind attention-seeking behaviour, the 5 secrets to “great” hugs and 5 hints to check if a hug is creating discomfort in another person; plus a wonderful non-threatening excuse for exchanging a big hug.)

Life Worth Living – Book – Bill Thomas – VanderWyk and Vernham, Publicon Inc. Massachusetts 1996
Caring for the Aged – Book – (Australian Women’s Weekly publication) – Media 21 Publishing P/L – 2003 – Aust. Visit our Online Store