SEM Haven - Eden Alternative™

The Eden Alternative™ - We are Different

In 1991 Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard educated physician, began work on an exciting approach to long-term care that creates energy, vitality and a love of life within the nursing home. The Eden Alternative is based on the simple realization that human beings are not naturally suited to life in an institution.

The concept Dr. Thomas envisioned was to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in long-term care facilities. This new way of thinking teaches us to see nursing homes as habitats for human beings, rather than institutions for the frail and elderly.

The Eden Alternative seeks to eliminate the three plagues of long-term care institutions: loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We want to show others how companion animals, the opportunity to care for other living things, and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment can succeed where pills and therapies fail. Our goal is to weave together the philosophy of the Eden Alternative with practical applications and make it work in the real world of long-term care.

The Eden Alternative is not a program, but a never-ending process. It places the maximum possible decision-making power in the hands of the residents and those who work closest to them. It provides residents with easy access to companionship, promotes resident participation in daily life happenings, puts the resident before tasks and de-emphasizes the programmed approach to life. Relationships are the fundamental building blocks of our culture and we believe that each person can and does make a difference.

SEM Haven is a registered Eden Alternative facility.

What is the Eden Alternative Registry?

As a way of honoring those who would undertake the hard work of transforming their institutions into warm, Human Habitats, The Eden Alternative maintains the Eden Registry. The Registry is not an accreditation or in any way an indicator of quality. It is simply a public commitment to strive for the Principles & Practices of the Eden Alternative. Elders and families must still make every effort to ensure that their needs can be met by the organization and work hard to build a relationship with the staff of the home. Please understand that The Eden Alternative has no operational control over any long-term care facilities. Our work is delegated to providing education and resources, not monitoring. We feel it is important, however, to honor those who would make a commitment to strive for a human community that supports the growth of all.

The Eden Registry is patterned after the Scouts. Registered Homes are agreeing to abide by the Eden Principles, and to work toward creating a better world. So, just like in the Scouts, you will find Eden Homes at all different stages of the process. That doesn't mean one is better than another, just at a different point. The important thing to remember is that the organization has made a commitment to strive for a better way and that Eden is a never-ending journey.

Eden Alternative Registered Homes receive an “Eden Tree” plaque to display in their home. The purpose of the Eden Tree is let others know of the home's commitment to the Eden journey and to display the 'Symbols of Recognition' the organization will choose as they implement the Eden Alternative philosophy.

As a home works to incorporate the Ten Eden Principles into their culture, they will earn the right to display "Symbols of Recognition" for each principle, which they can place on the plaque to symbolize progress. The "Symbols" they decide to display on the Eden Tree are chosen by those who live and work in the home as having particular meaning for their own community. When to be recognized for the hard work that has been done for each Principle should be a decision made by the Elders, staff and family members. Every two years, homes on the Eden Registry must undergo a re-application process to ensure their continued commitment to the philosophy and their continued growth toward their goals.

Think of it this way: We already have a rule driven, punitive regulatory system designed to punish those who give bad care. What we have lacked, until the Eden Registry and the Eden Tree, is a principle-driven reward system designed to honor and celebrate those who aspire to raise the art of care-giving to a higher level.

Full integration of the Eden Alternative impacts the physical environment, organizational structure, and psycho-social interactions of the organization. Individual principles highlight different aspects of the Eden philosophy. In establishing goals for growth, homes may consider how to best live out each principle for the benefit of the Elders, the staff, and the organization as a whole. Keep in mind that the Eden Alternative is a journey, not a destination. True community is found in the struggle to build lasting, meaningful relationships. As a home struggles to find community, they need to take time to celebrate their journey together. Using the Eden Tree and Symbol of Recognition to chart their progress will bring the organization together in celebration and honor of their hard work.