Heaven on Earth

The idea of an Eden Alternative almost seems too good to be true. In a world where nursing homes are run according to strict and often times carefully monitored guidlines we can hardly think of a nursing home being taken over by animals and children. Working in a nursing home myself, I can see what they mean in the article by describing these facilities as un-friendly and life-draining. Eden Alternative programs are a great way to bring life back into these nursing homes today. I think that animals, children and plants are positive solutions to bring something new into nursing homes. I can also see that these are not the only changes that need to occur. Changes from all areas of these institutions would be required for permanent change to come. Bill Thomas and his wife are taking the right approach to intrducing The Eden Alternative to facilities across the country. The process is slow but if they went any faster I think nursing home administrators would be overwhelmed. It is true that all of the staff need to be commited to change to an Eden Alternative program before the program is implemented. If one staff member does not go along with the changes then there will certainly be a hault in progress. By creating these special environments for our Elders we can help them age in a more positive light. I hope in the future we see more nursing homes using the Eden philosophy and creating wonderful sanctuaries for the aging members of our society.