What do you see? If you can see 2 different images, then you understand what an epiphany is. Epiphanies help us shift our perspective, see the world differently. And once you see that it can be different, there is no going back! That is what the Eden Approach offers, a chance to see the experience of aging and accepting support differently. When you can see it differently, it can be world changing!
It is easy, when visiting a congregate care setting, to see the place through the lens of services, layout, the quality of the furnishings, the color of the walls, etc. How might your perspective, and what you see, change if you looked through the lens of well-being? Kristi used a well-being perspective when visiting some Certified Members in Nova Scotia. This is what she learned.
We have all heard the stories of people that have needed intense medical support to deal with a trauma in their life. We’ve heard both the good and bad from that experience. However, if mindsets are shifted then care can be seen through a different lens. If care systems redesigned, people can genuinely receive the type of support they most need. These types of experiences can shift to stories of healing, comfort, and well-being.
Our need to recognized and celebrated as a whole human being does not change because we are living with dementia. When we know we are fully accepted for who we are, when our identity, meaning, and connectedness are strong, we thrive. Here is one story of the difference inclusivity made for one person’s life. What other stories does it bring to mind for you?
According to the American Society on Aging, “Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and work together to build age-inclusive communities. How we view aging impacts where we as a society invest and how we make policy—and we need a shared, realistic view of aging to create solutions that serve us all.” The Eden Alternative teaches that ageism and ableism affect us all, lead to loneliness, helplessness, and boredom and diminish well-being. Celebrate Aging, Challenge Ageism today and every day!
It’s vital to staying engaged, growing, and adapting. That’s why we created “Shaping the Future of Aging,” a podcast designed to reflect the power of a growth mindset.
By centering mutual understanding – both in leadership and in life – we create the conditions for people to connect bravely, collaborate respectfully, and live authentically.
Explore building identity, connectedness, security, autonomy, meaning, growth and joy into care partnerships with teams of peers in a group learning environment.
Dementia care has often been approached from a clinical, task-oriented perspective, but there is a growing recognition that truly compassionate care requires something deeper: a focus on the person, their experiences, and their inherent potential for connection and meaning.
In long-term care, create a place where people truly thrive—where they feel seen, valued, and connected.
End of content
End of content
