Eden Philosophy

Consistent with our Way of Wellness philosophy, we have embraced the principles of the Eden Alternative in creating "Life Worth Living" throughout the organization. The core concept of The Eden Alternative teaches us to see aging not as decline, but as a continuous stage of growth and development in a human life.  The places we create for our Residents to live should foster that growth and the growth of their caregivers.

The Eden Alternative shows us how companionship, the opportunity to give meaningful care, and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment can succeed where pills and therapies fail.   It also shows us how progressive leaders can create a warm culture through empowerment and the development of teamwork as an organization-wide operating philosophy. Most importantly, the Eden philosophy embraces autonomy and creates environments where decisions belong to residents, as much as possible.

The Eden Alternative is also about changing the culture of long-term care organizations.  By moving away from the top-down bureaucratic approach to management and moving decision making closer to the adults,  Edenizing organizations support a meaningful life for their residents.

Organizations who have made a commitment to strive for the Principles & Practices of the Eden Alternative are recognized through the Eden Registry. Twin Towers was successfully re-registered as an Eden Home in 2009. The Twin Lakes community, embraces the principles of the Eden philosophy but is not yet eligible for registration.

Founded in 1991 by Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard-educated physician and board-certified geriatrician, The Eden Alternative has trained over 15,000 Eden Associates and now claims over 300 registered homes, in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. The staff and management of these homes continue to work towards meaningful culture change through ongoing training and a continued dedication to creating a life worth living for those in their care.