De-institutionalizing culture and environments to create a habitat where life is worth living
The Eden Alternative Philosophy is about transforming our perceptions and nursing-care facilities to reflect an environment of living as a habitat for humans instead of an institution of frailty and waiting. This philosophy drives all we do at West Ridge, from our rehabilitation care to our long-term, assisted living care to our short-term, skilled care. This Principal-centered philosophy for culture change provides a new way of thinking and developed a unique language to help organizations in their culture change journey. In the Eden Alternative we believe that words make worlds. We define Elders as someone who, by virtue of life experience, is here to teach us. By definition, being an Elder has little to do with age. The benefits of implementing this philosophy in our living structure at West Ridge results in a vibrant life worth living.
The West Ridge and Eden Alternative Philosophy of Care
West Ridge’s atmosphere of acceptance emphasizes respect for Elders’ dignity and privacy. West Ridge adheres to the Principals and Philosophies of the Eden Alternative, continuously striving to make West Ridge a home where life and spontaneity are a part of every day. Each person that joins the West Ridge family, whether an Elder, family member, staff or volunteer, has the opportunity to grow, contribute to their surroundings and be well-known by others who are part of this community. It means we become a family.
In part, the mission statement for Eden Alternative states: “The core concept of the Eden Alternative is strikingly simple. We must teach ourselves to see nursing homes as habitats for human beings rather than institutions for the frail and elderly. We must learn what Mother Nature has to teach us about the creation of vibrant, vigorous habitats.” As the only registered Eden Alternative facility in the Cedar Rapids area, our practices strive to eliminate the three plagues that tend to affect long-term care– loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
The Ten Principles of The Eden Alternative
Principle One: Loneliness, helplessness and boredom are painful and destructive to our health and well-being.
Principle Two: A caring, inclusive, and vibrant community enables all of us, regardless of age or ability, to experience wellbeing.
Principle Three: We thrive when we have easy access to the companionship we desire. This is the antidote to loneliness.
Principle Four: We thrive when we have purpose and the opportunity to give, as well as receive. This is the antidote to helplessness.
Principle Five: We thrive when we have variety, spontaneity, and unexpected happenings in our lives. This is the antidote to boredom.
Principle Six: Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. Meaning is unique to each of us and is essential to health and well-being.
Principle Seven: We are more than our medical diagnoses. Medical treatment should support and empower us to experience a life worth living.
Principle Eight: Decision-making must involve those most impacted by the decision. Empowerment activates choice, autonomy, and influence.
Principle Nine: Building a collaborative and resilient culture is a never-ending process. We need to keep learning, developing, and adapting.
Principle Ten: Wise leadership is the key to meaningful and lasting change. For it, there can be no substitute.