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?
Great products and services make a real difference in people’s lives. When we have an innovative mindset we can create things that people are not even aware that they need. We can awaken people to new possibilities and really empower people to live life on their terms.
In our healthcare system, care plans are used to identify the support a person needs and the challenges they face. However, framing care needs through the lens of diagnosis or disease can generalize individual experiences, emphasizing a collective identity rather than personal circumstances. Traditionally, care plans have been linked to nursing, with many people viewing them as exclusively within the nurses’ scope of responsibility. The Eden Alternative redefines care as supporting someone’s growth, intentionally replacing the term “care plan” with “growth plan.” To create a truly meaningful growth plan, each Elder must be thoroughly understood and assessed for factors like loneliness, helplessness, boredom, and overall well-being.
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!
Imagine attending an international conference with 500 experts from 63 countries all focused on creating societies where we all can age with choice, voice and dignity. This was a reality for Michelle Daniel, CEO of The Eden Alternative.
“When you hand good people possibility, they do great things.” (Biz Stone) When leaders are on the same wavelength, they work together more smoothly, communicate clearly, and drive the team toward shared goals. It helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone focused on what’s important. That’s the secret sauce to shifting the culture of care!
Ever notice how when someone accepts support services into their home, it is like an invasion has occurred. Not due to ill intent, but due to the influx of the institutional model of care. The sense of home may disappear. Yet, it can be different!
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