By Denise Hyde
Membership Engagement Guide
The Eden Alternative
Epiphanies are moments of inspiration and clarity. They provide an opportunity to shift your perspective and see new possibilities.
My Epiphany
Have you ever had an epiphany; a moment where you had a revelation or new insight? It’s that moment when you think the world or a situation is one thing and you suddenly are aware that there is another interpretation, another way to see the situation.
I learned about the Eden Alternative in 1997. A nurse in the community heard Dr. Bill Thomas present at a conference in Chicago and brought me his book to read. I was the pharmacist at the community. Based on my education, I had a way of seeing the world of eldercare and my role in that world. I thought I knew all I needed to know about aging and the use of medications. I did the monthly drug reviews and reported my findings to the medical director. I monitored labs, read the charts, observed the residents, attended care plan meetings, and was part of the leadership team. All the same things that happen in thousands of long term care settings all over the country. My work life was normal, predictable, and comfortable.
Then I read Dr. Thomas’ book and my epiphanies (or what Eden calls paradigm shifts) began. What if the “behaviors” we loved to talk about on the IDT (interdisciplinary team) were caused by loneliness, helplessness, or boredom (Eden Principle One)? There are no drugs indicated to treat these plagues, yet plenty of medications were being prescribed to address the symptoms.
The Epiphanies Grew in Number
What if our treatment plans and medication profiles are not the most important thing in the residents’ lives (Eden Principle Seven)? What if putting someone on enough medications that they required 24 dosing times throughout the day wasn’t needed, even though best medical practices said they were? What if we didn’t need to cure people?
What if instead we listened and worked with them to find ways for them to live life on their terms? Wow, this epiphany really shook my world and I passed it along to the pharmacy students that came for their rotations. I hope the epiphany changed the course of their professional life too.
What if focusing on developing strong, knowing relationships between the residents and their care partners actually improved outcomes for all the humans, and the organization too (Eden Principle Three)?
What if engaging and collaborating with the employees in decisions that affect their work isn’t a waste of time (Eden Principle Eight)? What if it saves time and leads to less complaints from residents and burnout for employees?
Becoming a facilitative leader totally changed my perspective and the way I worked with others. Over time, it created less chaos in daily life because we were all are empowered to do the right thing even when the boss was not there. I’ve learned from many leaders that this style of leadership creates loyalty and inspires people to be better care partners and retention improved.
What if adopting an attitude of gratitude makes a difference (Eden Principle Four)? How good might it feel for people to be thanked for what they are doing even if they are just doing their job? When you are looking to say thank you it is amazing what comes into your vision every day.
It was so fun to have residents and employees be able to say ‘you’re welcome’ because their contributions were acknowledged. I often wondered how long it had been since some of those residents and employees have gotten these affirmations. Just imagine what kind of impact can you make in others’ lives by simply thanking them for being a part of the team. How might they carry that home and make a difference in their neighborhood or community?
The Eden Approach = an Epiphany
That is the power of the Eden Approach: Waking up and seeing the world differently! The Eden Approach is more than just some niceties you sprinkle into daily life when it is convenient. It is about changing thinking and therefore actions that lead to a better life for all care partners. It is world changing!
What epiphany have you had lately and how has it shifted your approach as a care partner? Want to experience more epiphanies? Consider attending our upcoming conference, engaging in an Eden training, connecting with a consultant, or joining Eden Membership. We have the information, tools, and resources you need to inspire epiphanies within yourself and others!
About The Eden Alternative
Our Mission: To improve the well-being of Elders and their care partners by transforming the communities in which they live and work.
The Eden Alternative offers educational opportunities, consultation and a proven approach to honoring Elderhood – with resources for Elders and their care partners to elevate well-being.
