In the summer of 1991, Dr. William Thomas was working as the
medical direc tor of a small rural nursing home when he noticed
what he referred to as a “ spiritual malaise” in the residents.
Trained as a healer, Thomas recognized this discord as non-medical
aspect of human suffering and then felt compelled to address the
loneli ness, boredom and sense of helplessness experienced by the
residents at the facili ty.
From Thomas' initial impressions of the institutionalized
elderly, the Eden Alternative philosophy was born.
Thomas' outlined his philosophies in a book entitled “ Life
Worth Living” and since its publication, hundreds of work shops
have been held throughout the coun try to train long term care
providers in the ways of the Eden Alternative. Workshop attendees
return to their facilities and begin implementing Eden ideas, thus
enriching the nursing home environment for residents and staff
alike. By introduc ing plants, animals and people into the lives of
elderly nursing home residents, what was once a regimented and
sterile existence is transformed into a life rich in variety and
spontaneity. Living in a more human habitat helps to bring more
purpose and meaning into the lives of those in long term care
facilities, who, in turn, live longer, healthier and ultimately
happier lives.
