Making Life Worth Living.� With these words, Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home ushers in a brand-new era. It is now a registered Eden Alternative� facility - only the third one in Maryland. Harvard-trained geriatrician, William Thomas, MD, created the Eden Alternative concept 12 years ago as part of a national effort to improve the quality of life in nursing homes.
The philosophy of the Eden Alternative is unique - to replace residents� feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom with companionship, empowerment and spontaneity. This is done through principles that include adopting pets, interacting with children, planning family activities and planting gardens. Putting the true meaning of �home� back into the phrase �nursing home� is the goal of the Eden Alternative,� says Jewish Convalescent Administrator, Richard Goldsmith. This is achieved when residents have the opportunity to give as well as receive care.�
Having fun is also a vital part of the Eden Alternative approach. Music therapy, pottery, exercise and games are daily activities. Giving residents emotional support as well as medical help is what this program is all about,� says Ron Rothstein, President of
LifeBridge Health and COO of Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital. Three years ago, Levindale was the first nursing home in the state to become a registered Eden Alternative facility, and it has changed the atmosphere here. It has been embraced by both residents and staff.�
Over the next several years, the Eden Alternative will be implemented in stages at the Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home, following the guidelines established by the Eden Alternative organization, itself. Staff members began training in June. Gradually, they will join residents to form several small groups. Each group will then make decisions about daily living from whether to keep a pet to what time to eat dinner. This creates a nurturing atmosphere and leads to stronger bonds among everyone involved.
There are about 300 long-term care facilities around the country that are already taking part in the Eden Alternative program. In addition to Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, the third facility in Maryland is Homewood at Williamsport.
