The Eden Alternative® and our homes
Our approach to care supports the whole person, upholding their right to a life full of purpose, connection, empowerment and possibility — regardless of age or changing abilities.
The Sherbrooke community is a pioneer and ambassador for the The Eden Alternative® and has been a certified member since 1999. The philosophy, principles, and practices guide our homes, and our team members participate in ongoing learning through Eden training and certification.
Founded by geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas and his partner, Judith Meyers Thomas, The Eden Alternative® has grown from one nursing home to become a global community.
Global Partners Suellen Beatty and Cheryl George with Eden Health Solutions in Saskatoon offer education for individuals and organizations at Sherbrooke’s Learning Centre.
The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being®
These are the seven aspects of personhood at the core of the Eden framework.
- Identity – being well known; having personhood; individuality; having a history
- Connectedness – belonging; engaged; involved; connected to time, place and nature
- Security – freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fearl safety; privacy; dignity; respect
- Autonomy – liberty; self-determination; choice; freedom
- Meaning – significance; heart; hope; value; purpose; sacredness
- Growth – development; enrichment, expanding, evolving
- Joy – happiness; pleasure; delight; contentment; enjoyment
The Ten Eden Principles
- Loneliness, helplessness, and boredom are painful and destructive to our health and well-being.
- A caring, inclusive and vibrant community enables all of us, regardless of age or ability, to experience well-being.
- We thrive when we have easy access to the companionship we desire. This is the antidote to loneliness.
- We thrive when we have purpose and the opportunity to give, as well as receive. This is the antidote to helplessness.
- We thrive when we have varaiety, spontaneity, and unexpected happenings in our lives. This is the antidote to boredom.
- Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. Meaning is unique to each of us and is essential to health and well-being.
- We are more than our medical diagnoses. Medical treatment should support and empower us to experience a life worth living.
- Decision-making must involve those most impacted by the decision. Empowerment activates choice, autonomy, and influence.
- Building a collaborative and resilient culture is a never-ending process. We need to keep learning, developing, and adapting.
- Wise leadership is the key to meaningful and lasting change. For it, there can be no substitute.
Learn more about how you can support Eden Initiatives at Sherbrooke Foundation and help create culture change in long-term care.