Supporting the Eden Alternative

As a community that has adopted the “Eden Alternative” philosophy, we also make sure our residents experience the companionship of pets, care for living plants and regular visits by children. In adopting the Eden “spirit,” we are nurturing the spontaneity and needed variety in our nursing care setting.

The Eden spirit is most visible with our resident pets. Enter our Health Center doors and you may spot our furry felines - Butterscotch, Cooper or Tootsie - curled up cozily in a chair or strolling the halls. These gentle, companion animals help help create a homelike atomosphere and enrich the lives of our residents. They can reach our seniors in ways that pills and therapies often fail.

Visiting Pets Program
In addition to nurturing an Eden atmosphere, we welcome dogs as part of our pet therapy program. Our volunteers interact with the residents, allowing them to hold and pet the animals. We regularly welcome Oliver, the cockapoo, Marshal, an aussie mix and Wesley and Logan, two cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Animal-assisted therapy can reduce the loneliness residents feel in long-term care. Studies show that pets in nursing homes increase social and verbal interactions that reinforce other therapy. Residents also experience reduced stress, a decrease in blood pressure, a sense of worth and a calming effect. Our visiting canine friends offer unconditional love and unqualified approval. They satisfy the need for touch and physical contact in all of us.