Eden Alternative Philosophy

Life Worth Living

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Bethel Lutheran Home is excited to be an Eden Alternative^TM  facility. After spending much time exploring the concepts and philosophy of the Eden Alternative, we are wholly committed to continuing the journey of "Edenizing" our campus in order to enhance the lives of our Elders, families, staff and community.

The Eden Alternative embraces the philosophy that nursing homes are not places to die but places to live. The Eden Alternative views long-term health care facilities as "habitats for human beings rather than institutions for the frail and elderly." It employs the use of companionship, the opportunity to care for and nurture other living things, and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment in order to make a positive difference in the lives of our Elders and their caregivers.

Bethel Lutheran Home's "human habitat" provides opportunities for intergenerational involvement with the children from our community. The Eden Alternative vision suggests that children and the elderly should be closely linked, since each stand to benefit from contact with the other. In addition, the assortment of animals that live at Bethel Lutheran Home provides companionship and entertainment for the residents as cats, birds, fish and a dog are part of life at Bethel. Elders are encouraged to have birds and/or plants in their room for nurturing. Bethel Lutheran Home has many planters outside in the summer months and inside all year long. Caring for plants and watching them grow is fun for everyone.

Bethel Home has adopted a philosophy which enables us to focus on care of rather than treatment of our Elders in order to combat what is described as "The three plagues of the long term health care institutions: loneliness, helplessness and boredom."

The Eden Alternative concept was developed in 1991 by Dr. William Thomas, MD in Up-state New York. By introducing live-in dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits for companionship and by providing opportunities for gardening and interacting with children,, the nursing home saw dramatic results.

Studies conducted by Dr. Thomas during a two-year study period, before and after having implemented the Eden Alternative, were very impressive. Psychotropic drug use for Elders decreased. Overall drug costs were reduced by 50%. The mortality rate among Elders was reduced by 15% and the infection rate was cut in half. Benefits for staff, family members and visitors were equally dramatic.

We are on a continual "Edenizing journey." It is a process that will never stop. We will continue to try new ideas, to implement new programs and to grow in order to create an environment that nurtures the philosophy that life truly is worth living. We cordially invite you to come along with us on this remarkable life journey.

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