News

The Eden Model helps seniors thrive

August 1st, 2023

If you’re a resident, family member or anyone else connected to a Points West Living community, you may have heard of the Eden Model of Care. But what exactly is it?

The model comes from the non-profit organization the Eden Alternative, which was founded in 1994 by geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas and his partner Jude Thomas. This approach to seniors’ care supports the whole person by upholding their right to a life full of purpose, connection, empowerment and possibility—regardless of age or changing abilities.

To do so, the model focuses on what seniors can do, not on what they can’t. It engages them and enables each person to build their voice. It upholds their right to make decisions for themselves.

Seniors aren’t just physical bodies that need fixing. Rather, well-being also touches on the domains of identity, connectedness, security, autonomy, meaning, growth and joy. Loneliness, helplessness and boredom are destructive, whereas principles like companionship, purpose and variety are empowering. Medical treatment should support seniors so they can experience a life worth living.

The model began as a project that took place in a single seniors’ home. Today, it impacts hundreds of thousands of people across 22 countries. Points West Living is proud to take part, so that its residents can benefit, too.

Learn more about how Points West Living implements the Eden Model of Care.

Learn more about the Eden Alternative.