The Eden Alternative...
The Eden
Alternative philosophy of care was developed by Dr. William Thomas, after
accepting the position of medical director at a nursing home in Sherborne,
NY. Dr. Thomas came to the realization that life in nursing homes was not
what it should, nor could be, and we were treating our Elders for their
illness and frailty. Our Elders were suffering from the 3 plagues of the
human spirit: Loneliness,
Helplessness, and Boredom. He knew of no drug or ointment to prescribe for
this.
Dr. Thomas recognized the only way to combat these plagues was to change our
medical model nursing homes. We needed to transform our institutions into
vibrant human habitats filled with variety, spontaneity, companionship, and
opportunities to give as well as receive care.
