The Eden Alternative is an innovative way of thinking about nursing home care. The leading care of suffering in a nursing home is not of a medical condition, but rather the feeling of helplessness. In order to alleviate this lack of purpose, we are dedicated to a stimulating environment. We offer residents an opportunity to care for and observe the beauty of domestic animals, farm animals, wildlife, and vegetable and flower gardens. Our staff works collaboratively with our residents to provide an environment that promotes community and intergenerational involvement.

Many residents volunteer to feed, water or check on the animals on a daily basis. Those who garden find comfort and purpose. By having a furry friend to pet or a task to complete, our residents find that they have a reason to become involved. Some residents prefer the companionship of their own personal birds. Cockatiels, finches and canaries are examples of species co-existing in patient's rooms.

The Garden Club is responsible for the cultivation and daily care of the plants surrounding the facility. Many room bound residents are dependent upon staff to assist in the watering of plants in patient's rooms. The Vegetable Garden is the source of supplemental vegetables for several residents. Tomatoes, peppers and lettuce are a few items that have been enjoyed by our residents.

Karensui
Nature as a theme is a measure of Quality and has been effectively used to shape all manner of human expression. This is called KARENSUI. It is a dry landscape style with a traditional turtle island. The mound suggests mountains, the white gravel suggests valleys, and the gray gravel represents water. The smallest plane on the left of the head of the turtle and the benches on either side emulate flippers. The lanterns provide STABILITY and the plants represent LIFE. UNITY is the control spirit of the Japanese garden.

This garden was created for the residents, family members and partners. Its purpose is to make visible to the human eye selected natural stone, with added greenery for balance and to soften the stones with change and visibility. Stones are heavy and exert a deep rooted sense of STRENGTH and POWER in the garden.