Eden Alternative
The Eden Alternative is focused on making life worth living by confronting the ‘plagues of ageing’ – loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Eden challenges aged care providers to move beyond traditional institutional mind-sets.
An ‘edenized’ aged care home is a holistic human habitat where care-giving and receiving is balanced and supported by close and continued companionship.
Eden was first introduced at Feros Village Byron Bay following research, selected site visits, staff consensus and consultation with the resident’s committee. Some Eden inspired activities have included:
- reviewing and reformatting our social history tool to reflect the three plagues
- implementing an expanded lifestyle program supported by a qualified Exercise Physiologist
- strengthening our Falls Prevention Program and challenging resident mobility expectations
- promoting a ‘can do’ culture and attitude that focuses on abilities rather than disabilities
- rewording our resident surveys to ask simply ‘are you happy’
- arranging Sandman Art, large and beautiful sand castle structures in the garden
- implementation of the Cornell Depression Scale that considers observations and perceptions
- organising inter-generational activities and performances with the local pre- and primary schools
- adopting Miss Maggie and Bubbaloo who provide in-room and communal pet therapy
- delivering palliative care with the support of local multi-disciplinary health providers
- exploring the feasibility of creating a kids playground on-site to make the home more family-friendly
Feros Care has recognised the importance of the Eden Alternative in our Corporate Strategic Plan as an investment in organisational culture and recipient and staff happiness. Feros Care is currently looking at expanding the Eden Alternative to Feros Village Bangalow and our numerous Community Care service programs.
For more information on the Eden Alternative visit The Eden in OZ.
