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N E W S L E T T E Rquarterly newsletter of Eden in Oz Ltd

PO Box 8219, Carrum DownsVictoria 3201

[email protected]

Volume 4 issue 2 - June 2008

Update Eden in OzWe have completed 3 day Associate trainingsin the ACT, Melbourne and Auckland NewZealand (pictures) since our last newsletter.What great people, experiences and storieshave been shared along with the intensive

ways of doing things. Also whilst Edenisingis a never ending culture change journey –it is always important to celebrate thesuccesses along the way.Congratulations to all the new homes andservices that have joined the EdenRegistry. It is an honour to visit homes wherethey have worked so hard to implement culturalchange and Edenise by changing the environ-ment into a human habitat.Eden is gaining more recognition in Aus-tralia and New Zealand with representationat various conferences as well as articlespublished in state and national magazineswhich help to raise the profile and educatethe aged care sector on just how flexibleand powerful Eden is as a culture changemodel of care. I am very grateful for thecontinuing dialogue from past Eden Asso-ciates and new Associates that inform meof all the challenges as well as theachievements that continue to happen withimplementing Eden. These stories are veryimportant so please continue to sharethem so we can publish them.

(continue on page 8)

learning in the Associate training.It is really important to celebrate the goodthings that we do and at the NZ trainingeveryone gave feedback on theirorganisation. It gives us a deeperunderstanding of each other and it is agreat way to find out new and innovative

ACT

Eden in Oz news June 2008 - page 2

EDEN PATHWAYS SKITAimTo introduce the First Principle of Eden, the‘Problem Statement’, to a representativegathering of staff by re-creating the way thefounder of the Eden Alternative ™, Dr BillThomas, came to a realisation that the medi-cal model of care doesn’t address the threeplagues of the human spirit: loneliness,helplessness and boredom.The 5-10 minute skit is to be used as anintroduction to the first of our ‘Pathway’Learning Sessions and will lead the way intoa fuller explanation (10 min) of the threeplagues, followed by a time for questions.

The Scenario“Dr Phil” is conducting his morning rounds atan aged care facility, accompanied by theduty RN. Four residents are sitting, waitingfor ‘Dr Phil’s” visit. Each resident is livingwith chronic health problems; one has dia-betes, one has Parkinson’s Disease, anotherhas had a stroke. The last of the residentsthat “Dr Phil” is to see has a rash that hasbeen troubling her for some time.

“Dr Phil” and the RN talk over the residents,talking about them rather than to them andreferring to them by bed number/diagnosisrather than by name. The residents appearto be shut out of the conversation and “DrPhil” and the RN have a very task/clinicalfocus.The first three residents sit looking verysubdued, even bored or perhaps makingfeeble attempts to engage with the doctor.“Dr Phil” has his MIMS handbook and stetho-scope at the ready and scribbles off yetanother script for ongoing medication andplans to make a quick exit, until he isstopped in his tracks by the lady with therash . . .

The Cast (Nominate cast members)“Dr Phil”; RN; Resident 1; Resident 2; Resi-dent – 3; Resident with the rashThe ScriptDr Phil: “’Morning sister. Who are weseeing today? No real problems I hope, I’mpressed for time. You know what they say; ashort visit is a good visit.”RN: “Yes, good morning. Thanks for comingDr Phil. Everyone’s ready and waiting; and

EDEN BREAKFASTS-Sharing More than Tea and ToastLast month saw the departure of the UnitingCare Shoalhaven’s Group Manager, Kerry Mahedy,after 24 years of service with the organisation. One of the lasting legacies that Kerry left us with,before she moved to sunny Queensland, was her strong desire to see all staff at the Shoalhavenfacility embrace the Eden Philosophy of resident directed care.Kerry did a lot to warm the soil and provide the right environment for the facility to become a true‘human habitat,’ in the tradition of Eden. One of the key elements in this was to establish a regularpattern of ‘Eden Breakfasts.’ Once a month, since January, a small group of Eden Associatesdrawn from the staff at Shoalhaven have been doing more than share tea and toast together. Thebreakfasts provide a relaxed environment to brainstorm ideas on how best to instil the Ten Principlesof the Eden Philosophy into the hearts and minds of those we share our work-a-day lives with.Out of these meetings has come ‘Pathways;’ the name given to a proposed series of in-servicetraining sessions that the group intends to use to share the Eden Philosophy, in a creative way,with the Shoalhaven staff.A representative cross-section of staff received personal invitations from the members of the‘brekkie’ group to attend the first ‘Pathways’ session, which was held February. This session wasused to introduce the First Principle of Eden, the ‘Problem Statement’ to the group using a role playdesigned to lead the way into a fuller explanation of the ‘three plagues of ageing.’ This was followedby a question and discussion time.The next ‘Eden Breakfast’ is set down for the end of April and it is our hope that ‘Pathways’ be-comes an effective tool in the growth of the Eden philosophy of care at UnitingCare Shoalhaven.Philip Eldridge, Regional Coordinating Chaplain, UnitingCare South Eastern Region

Eden in Oz News June 2008 - page 3

we have the ProgressNotes out for you.”Dr Phil: “Good, good– very efficient. I’mimpressed. Now whoare we seeing first?”RN: (RN looks at herlist) “Bed four, diabe-tes.”Dr Phil: “Yes, ofcourse. How are thesugar levels at themoment?”RN: “Elevated at present, and very erratic,I’m afraid.”Dr Phil: “Mmm, that’s no good. What havewe been up to Mrs . . . er, Jones? Been anaughty girl then?”RN: “Smith, Dr.”Dr Phil: “Yes, of course. I tell you what, wehave this new medication that is achievinggreat things. (Dr Phil gets out his MIMSmedication book and has a look). . . I’d like to try Mrs. Smythe on these.”RN: “SMITH, Dr.”Dr Phil: “Yes, of course. (Dr Phil writes outa prescription and hands it to the RN) Thereyou go, see how the diabetes reacts to thatlittle lot. Who’s next?”RN: “Our Parkinson’s lady from Room 8.”Dr. Phil: “Yes, yes . . . Mrs Johnston.”RN: “No, Mrs Jones.”Dr Phil: “Mmm . . . , a real challenge.”RN: “The name?”Dr Phil: “No, the disease. Has the last lotof medication made a difference to Mrs John. . . er Jones?”RN: “It’s hard to tell, she doesn’t say or do much.”Dr Phil: “Well, better give it another round.‘Beta cum safus nil sorrious’ I always say. (DrPhil writes another script and hands it to theRN) There you go. Next.”RN: “Our stroke lady, Room 7.”Dr Phil: “Yes, what’s the latest with Mrs . . .?”RN: “Roberts. Physically, not much changebut she seems very depressed.”Dr Phil: “Depressed eh? Mmm . . . let’ssee, what’s the latest we can offer for MrsRobards? (Dr Phil looks through MIMSagain) Ah yes, we have these blue pillswhich I particularly like. They shouldbrighten her up. Besides, I like the colour.”(Another script is written)

This poster (left) is an example of the postersused by the organisation to advertise thetraining sessions.

RN: “Thanks, doctor. Now, Mrs. Mertz; shestill has that rash on her arm. And, it appearsto be getting worse. Nothing seems to help.”Dr Phil: “She’s had that for some time as Irecall.”RN: “All her life.”Dr Phil: “The rash?!”RN: “No, her arm.”Dr Phil: “The rash, the rash; how long has itbeen now?”RN: “Oh, weeks and weeks. It’s a realpuzzle. And it’s really getting to her. In fact,I’m getting itchy just talking about it!”Dr Phil: “Lets have a look at that arm ofyours Mrs Mitz. (Mrs. Mertz holds out thewrong arm). No, the other arm, the one withthe rash. Thanks. Mmm . . . lets see wemight try this time . . . ?”Mrs M: “But doctor . . . (Dr Phil, looking atthe medication book, doesn’t respond).Doctor (Again, Dr Phil is distracted anddistant). Dr Phil . . . I’m so LONELY! (MrsMertz begins to sob, uncontrollably) I’m soLONELY!”

(Dr Phil can’t help but respond andseems taken aback)Dr Phil: “Lonely, lonely . . . I’m not surewhat to suggest for Mrs Mertz (Dr Philspeaks to the RN, not directly to Mrs Mertz,as he flicks through MIMS); perhaps someanti-depressants?”Mrs M: “I don’t need any more pills orpotions. I’m so LONELY!”Dr Phil: “But, you’re surrounded bypeople, Mrs Mertz.”Mrs M: “Yes, and they’re lonely too! Isn’tthere anything you can do?”Dr Phil: (Dr Phil puts down his clip-board,book and stethoscope and sits beside MrsMertz) “May I hold your hand Mrs Mertz; no,the other one – the one without the rash.” (DrPhil sits and comforts Mrs Mertz. Thingswould never be the same for him, the RN, orMrs Mertz again . . .)END

Philip Eldridge, Regional Co-ordinating Chap-lain, UnitingCare Ageing South Eastern Region

Eden in Oz Community Corner June 2008 - page 4

Eden at Home: Sharing the Eden Philosophywith Those Caring for Loved Ones at HomeBy Laura Beck,Eden at Home Program Director U.S.Robert Loyd recalls a time when his late fatherlet him know that he had had enough. “Hebecame mostly catatonic, and my mother wasprone to breaking down in tears because shefelt so helpless, “ explains Loyd, “I also let thestress get to me, and I fell into depressionmyself.” Looking for new and inspiring ways tosupport his family’s needs, Loyd enrolled in anEden at Home (EAH) Care Partner Workshop.Care partners, by definition, include family,friends, neighbors, volunteers, home healthprofessionals and the Elder herself. Eden atHome, an initiative of the Eden Alternative™, emphasizes the concept of care partner-ship as a means of fostering creative, col-laborative support systems called carepartner teams.Eden at Home applies the ten-principlephilosophy of The Eden Alternative ™ tocreating quality of life specifically for Eldersliving at home and their care partners, ac-knowledging that everyone on the carepartner team can suffer from the threeplagues. Meaningful care, by EAH stan-dards, is that which nurtures the humanspirit, as well as the human body, and recog-nizes and celebrates each person’s uniquecapacity for growth.The first step to transforming the giving andreceiving of care is to ask ourselves honestlyhow we perceive aging, disability, andElderhood, and how these perceptions, as wellas our own fears about our own ageing, getin the way of how we relate to our lovedones.From there, the cornerstone of EAH is theconcept of care partnership. We see theelder or individual receiving care as an activeparticipant in their care plan — thus, a partnerin his or her own care. The term “care partner”evens the playing field and reminds us that thewords we choose to use can shift paradigms.When those usually described as care receiv-ers learn that they have something to give —

and those usually described as care giversrealise there are ways that they receive fromcare receivers, that they, too, can be fed by therelationship — some amazing shifts can occurin the care dynamic. Care partnership opensup possibilities for exchange, empowerment,and a sense of shared purpose. “The techniques I learned from EAH and theway my thinking changed really helped all ofus,” Loyd continues, “My father becamemore responsive, and I no longer excluded mymother from the tasks of caring for my father.”Loyd, a participant in the AARP Arkansas pilotof Eden at Home was so inspired by what helearned in the Care Partner Workshop that hedecided to become an EAH Certified Trainer.“I wanted to positively impact the lives ofothers and help them recover as my familydid.” Certified trainers facilitate workshops forcare partners in their community via agrassroots approach that brings family mem-bers and health professionals together in thespirit of shared learning. “I have worked in the medical field for over tenyears and was able to take care of my father’smedical and physical needs. However, I didn’tknow I was neglecting him emotionally andmentally until I took an EAH workshop,”notes Noria Day, a participating care partner,“EAH helped me give my father his indepen-dence back.”EAH Care Partner Workshops consist of four3-hour sessions and bring care partnerteams together with others having the sameexperience in a safe, non-judgmental setting.While as many members of a care partnerteam as possible are encouraged to attendtogether, single team members also leavethe workshop well-prepared to share whatthey’ve learned with their care partner teamsback home.EAH also encourages systems of ongoingsupport for both certified trainers and forcare partners who attend the workshops.Regularly scheduled gatherings are encour-aged for both certified trainers and participat-


ing care partners as an opportunity to sharesuccess stories, challenges, and generallyenjoy each other. Care partner gatheringscreate the third ripple in the circles of supportthe initiative inspires. The first circle ofsupport involves the stronger connectionsmade within each care partner team, moti-vated by the workshops. The second circleis created in the workshops themselves,where participants have the opportunity toconnect with each other and build alliances. “The care partner gatherings are open toanyone who has participated in any of theworkshops,” says Laura Beck, Program Direc-tor of EAH, “So care partners have thechance to connect with each other, no matterwhich workshop they have attended – widen-ing and deepening the support network –and the concept of the care partner team —even further.”The AARP Arkansas State Office was chosen

as the location of the first EAH pilot program,which concluded in Authum 2007. Interimdata from this pilot project reveals that 95%of participating care partners felt the carepartner workshop was a good use of theirtime, and 94% felt confident they couldrelate the content to their home care situa-tion. Through last fall, 85% of participatingcare partners who reported back threemonths after taking the care partner work-shop felt they had grown as a person fromtheir EAH experience. In addition, 70% feltthey had seen positive shifts in their relation-ships with their Elder care partner, while 93%felt that what they learned significantlychanged their outlook on giving and receiv-ing care.The EAH Series also offers a customized,dementia-specific version called Eden atHome: Creating Quality of Life for Care

Partners Living with Dementia. Devel-oped through funding from theAlzheimer’s Foundation of America(AFA), EAH was inspired to create thisversion of its curriculum becauseroughly 7 out of 10 people living withAlzheimer’s disease in the U.S. areliving at home and receiving 75% oftheir care from informal care partners.Also designed to support the experi-ence of the care partner team, thisversion empowers communities toappreciate and accept the unique giftsour Elders living with dementia have tooffer us. It combines the strength ofthe Eden philosophy with explorationof the groundbreaking person-centeredwork of Thomas Kitwood.Currently, organisations interested inreplicating Eden at Home may sendrepresentatives to an Eden at HomeTrainer Certification Workshop.Organisations willing to host a TrainerCertification Workshops can earnscholarship slots in the workshop formembers of its staff.

For more information, go tohttp://www.edenalt.org/eden-at-home/index.html.

Eden Trainingin 2008?Find all relevantinformation onwww.edeninoz.com.au

Eden in Oz international news June 2008 - page 6

Eden International: EuropeBy Christa MonkhouseSince 2000, when I came across SherbrookeCommunity Center in Canada and was in-spired by what I saw, I have served as theEden Alternative European Coordinator. Sincethen, Eden has started up in Switzerland,Austria, Germany, the UK, Denmark, the FaroeIslands, Iceland and others. We have come along way.I have been privileged to work with JaneVerity, from Dementia Care Australia, who wasthe driving force behind Eden in her homecountry Denmark and with June Burgess inEden UK. (see last Eden in Oz Newsletter).Because Europe is so culturally diverse it wasclear to me at the outset that we neededcountry coordinators. While I, a Germanspeaker I can communicate with the people inGermany, Austria and German speakingSwitzerland, I could not do so, for instance, inthe Netherlands. Therefore I am grateful for theassistance of Willy Dekker, who is Dutch andwho has worked from day one as an Edenimplementer in Switzerland. She has accom-panied me to the Netherlands, where we havebeen working with a group CEOs. This groundwork had been prepared by Petra Neelemann,who was not able to do the work herself.Our approach to Eden is based on networking:Eden people are committed to sharing theirknowledge of Eden as a philosophy, one whichreally works through training and dedication.They make an impact wherever they are and

June Burgess, Eden Coordinator UK and Ire-land, learning from Vincenzo Paolino, how hehad helped to implement Eden in his home.

connect others with Eden implementers else-where. June Burgess in the UK was able tolearn from Sarah McKenzie, as she spent ayear near London. I was able to train withCheryl George from Saskatoon, Canada andJane Verity has since 2001 nurtured andtrained two coordinators for Denmark, KarinDahl and Aase Porsmose. We have jointlytrained Olle Näslund from Sweden, who will, assoon as he retires from his senior post with anairline, act as the Eden Alternative RegionalCoordinator (EARC for Sweden and Finland.Margareth Johannesen from the FærøerIslands, was also trained by Jane and shewill act as the National Coordinator for herlovely northern Islands.We are currently in the process of forming aEuropean Eden Association, which I will coor-dinate in order to ensure Europe-wide qualitystandards of teaching, a code of conduct,business ethics, and academic contacts aredeveloped and maintained through confer-ences and communication. It is important thatall coordinators have input through our demo-cratic structure.In October 2007 we held our first internationalEden Associate Neworking Meeting in Swit-zerland which was very successful. It renewedeveryone’s energy and we got to know eachother better. We will have another meeting inDenmark, in January 2009 and we hope to beable to hold the international conference inEurope in 2012.

Aase Porsmose, Christa Monkhouse and JaneVerity at the first Eden training in Denmark.


Eden in Europe has its own shape andculture while sticking to the principles of thispowerful philosophy. We are also very grate-ful to be able to access at any time an inter-national network of Eden organisations likeEden in Oz, Eden Canada and Eden USAand to rely on the support of otherorganisations such as IAHSA

(www.iahsa.net) and the National CareForum in England, especially Mr. Des Kelly,its CEO.Spring has come early this year in Europe ashas the “Eden’s Spring” that is in full blossomas the seeds from one country are planted inthe next. We hope to see some you at theconference in Columbus, Ohio.

What we can do for the younger people in our homesThanks to Geoff and Sharon Nash for per-mission to publish this article and picture.

Sharon is a 40 years old and suffering hy-poxic brain damage, spends most of hertime in a wheelchair, has severe contrac-tions and does not speak. Sharon feelstrapped in her body. Her husband and chil-dren found it hard to visit as Sharon’s roomwas small and she was with 80 – 90 yearold residents. She had little stimulation andlooked sad. Thinking outside the square wemoved Sharon upstairs to a large singleroom and put in an extra bed for her boys tosleep over. Amazing what stimulation does.Geoff, her husband, cried when he saw hernew room and her boys are now seeingMum often and stay over. They roll around onthe floor with the dogs and we are gettingher a budgie. Sharon is now smiling andstarting to speak. Her husband and children

cannot believe the difference it has made -they have Mum back.Thanks to Mirinjani VillageUnitingCare NSW

CongratulationsSince our last Newsletter the following homes/

services have achieved Eden registration:

- Tallangatta Health Service- Alzheimer’s Australia WA

Mary Chester Centre- Alzheimer’s Australia WA

Hawthorn Community Respite House- Aged Care Services GroupEden in Glasshouse CountryCongratulations on the hard work

and dedication to achieve registration andgood luck in continuing your Eden journey

CongratulationsTo those people who have attended thetraining and become Eden Community

Visitors· Gabrielle Jones, Continuing Health Care,Melvista Care Facility, WA· Phillip Meares, Continuing Health Care,Melvista Care Facility, Nedlands WA· Karen Clarke, Continuing Health Care,Mandurah WA· Rhonda Peploe, Continuing Health Care,Mandurah WA· Heather Simons, Eden Development Officer,Mary Chester Centre, Alzheimer’s Australia WA· Laurena Beech, Eden Coordinator, MaryChester Centre, Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd· Wendy Hudson, Manager Respite Services,Alzheimer’s Australia WA Ltd

Eden in Oz Care & Share June 2008 - page 8

Melaleuca Lodge – Eden JourneyMy Eden journey commenced in November2007 when I attended the Eden Associatestraining course. For me it was a life changingevent. The instructors Chris, Sue and Wendywere exceptional, showing so much enthusi-asm and passion for Eden that the participantsattending couldn’t help but be drawn into theEden journey too. We opened our selves toexperiences and expressed feelings that wewould not have done before embarking on thisjourney. We also embraced the idea thatchange needs to start within ourselves first.Implementing the philosophy in our facilities isharder than it sounds. On my first day backat work, I bought some carnations and apacket of marshmallows. The carnations Ihanded to one receptionist and asked her togive them out to our residents. She askedwhy and I stated “just because!” Off shewent with her task and when she returned tothe desk the smile on her face could have litthe entire world. The smile stayed with herthe rest of the day.The second receptionist received the marsh-mallows and I suggested that she go and starta marshmallow fight with the residents in the

dining room. When I went to see how it wasgoing there was my receptionist with akitchen hat on, gloves marshmallows andtoothpicks, handing out one at a time on atooth pick. I asked what she was doing andher reply was, “giving out the marshmal-lows.” Laughing, I said, “This is a marshmal-low fight – just throw them!” Her responsewas “what about infection control?”So much for spontaneity! What have we al-lowed to happen? Rigid regimes and regula-tions have replaced human warmth. Where didthe fun go; the laughter and the little silly thingsthat happened in our everyday life that makeus smile?We here at Melaleuca have our work cut outfor us. With the Eden Associates coursebehind me and the support that I have receivedfrom fellow associates and the instructors I feelthat I’m more than prepared for the challenge.The Eden philosophy is more than a thought -it’s a way of life. As managers we need toshow the way, embrace what is dear to us andhope others will follow and walk with us on theEden path.Susan Wray

Congratulations

Keren Lusty, from Paraparamu NZ, (middleback row) was successful in receiving ascholarship from Capital Coast DHBrecognising her contribution to gerontologyand our sector.

Update Eden in Ozfrom front pageRegarding strategic planning we are looking inthe very near future to deliver the 3 day EdenAssociate training in-house. This will cut costsin half and give the ability to train more people.The other areas we now offer is support toorganisations who are implementing Eden byworking with them on particular areas such asleadership,self-directed work teams or introducing Edento the residents, staff, board, etc. Pleasecontact me if you would like further informa-tion on these education sessions.I am off to the Eden International Conferencein Ohio Columbus soon and taking time tolook at some Greenhouses while there, so Ilook forward to giving you some feed back inthe next newsletter. Keep up the great workand keep in touchRegards, Chris McMahon

Eden in Oz Partners in Care June 2008 - page 9

Eden based events at UnitingCare Mirinjani Village

Resident’s holidayEvery year for the past 5 years MirinjaniHostel and Nursing Home residents, staffand volunteers embark on an exciting holi-day to Clark Bay Farm Cottages in Naroomafor approximately 5 days. The Hostel goesin March and the Nursing Home residents goin October, to make the most of the goodweather.It is truly a wonderful time, with lots of activitiesincluding sight seeing, swimming, relaxing inthe spa, shopping, going to the beach, homecooked meals, BBQ’s and much, much more.Resident’s comments about these holidaysinclude: “I hadn’t been on a holiday for a very long timebefore I came to Mirinjani, I have missed justgetting away and enjoying a change of scen-ery” “Going on the holiday helps me feel normalagain and experience holidays like I used towhen younger” “I love going to Clark Bay Farm and relaxing inthe lovely spa, it is also nice to be involved inthe cooking, as I don’t get to do that muchthese days”The residents holidays are very much part ofthe Eden Alternative ™ philosophy, they giveresidents the opportunity to experiencespontaneity, companionship and growth.The residents greatly look forward to theseholidays; we have had an increase in numbersevery year.It is both a pleasure and our responsibility

here at Mirinjani Village to provide theseholidays which greatly enhance the resi-dents’ quality of life and independence.They have been a wonderful addition to lifehere at Mirinjani.Karen CmielLifestyle ManagerUnitingCare Mirinjani Village ACT

Edeninoz.com.auTo make full use of the edeninozwebsite Associates have beenprovided with a usercode andpassword.Forgot your usercode and / orpassword?Email [email protected] ask us for the details.


HONOURING THOSE WE LOSEWhen an elder/resident dies it is always anuncomfortable situation when the funeral directorcomes and usually they will come to the back doorand the resident goes out the back with “hopefullyno one noticing” – so those in the home do not getupset. Hopefully these days are gone and …….homes discuss in a loving and open manner howthey can use rituals filled with dignity, honour andgrace that accord the love and respect to a closeperson leaving our community. Here is a snippetfrom Mirinjani Village on how the ritual they havedeveloped has grown and changed people’slives. The elders/residents have made a specialquilt to represent the journey of life in their homeand the quilt is draped over the deceased elderto portray the love from the community wrappedaround them and the elder/resident is escortedout the front door – the same way they entered the

community. Here is a snippet from Sharon Kickettat UnitingCare, Mirinjani Village on this beautifulceremony that is akin to a wonderful guard ofhonour for the one we have lost.“The process of walking a resident out the frontdoor when they pass away has been going nowfor 18 months and still working beautifully, allstaff on duty at that time walk behind the trolleywithout exception, from the manager to thelaundry staff. When we first introduced thisthere was one particular lady undertaker thatwas so negative, did not want any part of thechange. That same lady now has embraced itso well that she now walks in front of thehearse to the end of the car park.”If you would like more details email Sharon [email protected]

Our monthly Eden challengesHow to promote the “Spirit of Eden”At Moyne Health Services in Port Fairy,Victoria, the Eden Associates have introduceda monthly challenge that allows us to focus ona particular aspect of behaviour that is neededin an Eden Home.Following the International Conference in Cairns inJune 2006 we decided to adapt a program wehad heard about from the Douglas County HealthCenter, Omaha, Nebraska that would assist us towarm the soil and promote “the Spirit of Eden.”A theme was established for each month of thefollowing year and we asked staff to use themonthly theme to think about how they;· view the residents · view their role in providingcare · view and respond to their co workersEach month we produce a poster announcing thetheme; this poster is placed on the Eden sectionof the notice boards in the staff dining room and ineach aged care home. A coordinating businesscard sized notice is produced for each staff mem-ber and attached to this is a small token of appre-ciation for the care they provide. This token isusually a lolly or chocolate but we have also usedbookmarks, wallet sized calendars and felt smileyface stickers. Department managers are suppliedwith the cards and tokens for their staff on the first day of

each month and are responsible for distributing them.The staff have responded with enthusiasm to themonthly challenge distribution and are now look-ing to see what the next challenge is to be. Wehave changed the wording on the challenge thisyear from “your challenge” to “our challenge” aswe want to encourage everyone including ourresidents to own the challenge concept. Thechallenges are distributed to all areas of ourHealth Service including acute care as we want todevelop the Eden Spirit everywhere.In February this year our challenge was to “ThankSomeone”. So that this would be an ongoing thingone of our Friends of Eden suggested we intro-duce “Thank You” boards in each area. A whiteboard has been placed in all areas and staff andresidents are encouraged to write a thank you toanyone they see doing something that takes thatlittle bit more thought or effort. The boards arebeing used by staff and some residents have alsowritten messages.One of our Eden Associates left our Service whichhas slowed our progress a little but, we havefound having the monthly challenge has ensuredthat the Spirit of Eden is highlighted and is continu-ing to grow in the hearts and minds of everyone atMoyne Health Services.Jill Waixel (Eden Associate)


Contact with childrenAmity at Newcomb has been implementingthe Eden Alternative ™ approach to care andservices since late 2003. Part of the Edenapproach is to have close and continuingcontact with children.The nursing home is set up to be a welcom-ing environment for children, by providing avariety of things they can do, while visitingthe residents. There is a toy cupboard and aplayground, as well as a coloring station, acomputer and many pets to visit.We have a great relationship with MoolapPrimary School. The residents participate inimportant school days likes sports day orgrand parents’ days and each week of mostterms a group of students come to

Newcomb to do special projects with a buddyresident.We believed the close and continuing con-tact with children could be further developedby introducing a playgroup to the home. Withthe whole hearted support, assistance andeducation from Playgroup Victoria and withthe assistance of Project Child, care workersfrom the City of Greater Geelong. AmityTreasures was launched on the 7/12/2006.Amity Treasures consists of a group of firsttime mums and their babies. Each Thursdaythey met at Amity at Newcomb. Residentshave been able to watch the babies growinto toddlers and have enjoyed their interac-tions with the mothers as well. The groupbrings fun and spontaneity into the home. Noone will forget the days the babies weregiven a big tub of red jelly to play with andespecially how one of the residents who hadnever paddled in red jelly before joined in.Activities associated with playgroup are builtinto the life of the home. Residents havewritten stories about the home or its pets forthe babies (and their great grandchildren)and make novelty birthdays cakes to cel-ebrate the birthdays of the babies.In an evaluation questionnaire about theplaygroup many positive commented werereceived such as“ everyone gets involved and is notablyhappier”“the interactions are magic”“playgroup brings a lot of love into the home”“wonderful blending the old with the young, Ifound my mother initiated conversationwhereas previously this had not happened”Play group is a positive experience for themums and the babies as well as the resi-dents and improves our ties with the com-munity. The playgroup mothers have beenable to provide their families, friends andwork colleagues with positive stories of lifein aged care and break down some of themisconceptions.Playgroup Victoria has used the model ofNewcomb to assist other facilities to set upplaygroups.

My forgetter's getting better,But my rememberer is brokeTo you that may seem funnyBut, to me, that is no joke

For when I'm "here" I'm wonderingIf I really should be "there"And, when I try to think it through,I haven't got a prayer!

Oft times I walk into a room,Say "what am I here for?"I wrack my brain, but all in vain!A zero, is my score.

At times I put something awayWhere it is safe, but, Gee!The person it is safest fromIs, generally, me!

When shopping I may see someone,Say "Hi" and have a chat,Then, when the person walks awayI ask myself, "who was that?"

Yes, my forgetter's getting betterWhile my rememberer is broke,And it's driving me plumb crazyAnd that isn't any joke.

CAN YOU RELATE ? ? ?Please send this to everyone youknow because I DON'T REMEMBERWHO I SENT THIS TO ! ! (anonymous)


A senior citizen phoned her doctor's office."Is it true," she wanted to know, "that themedication you prescribed has to be takenfor the rest of my life?"""Yes, I'm afraid so," the doctor told her. Therewas a moment of silence before the seniorlady replied,"I'm wondering, then, just how serious is mycondition because this prescription ismarked NO REFILLS."

Eden Humour

Haleigh’s Tool Kit – SECTION 10 PAGE 43Additions to a poem called “Who has timefor me”

from Olive Milsom, Tallangatta. Victoria.(My presentation at the Learning Circle atEden in Oz training – November 2007).Olive’s interpretation of what this lady isconveying to those around her is in italicfont.A lady’s silent cry to release her feeling ofBoredom, Loneliness and Helplessness.

WHO HAS TIME FOR ME?Who has time for me?For a little old lady,With nothing better to doBut sit in a Nursing Home all dayAnd try and listen to the news.I want to be useful and feel needed – not justsit all day. Do you have a job for me to do? –I am willing to try my hand.

Who has time for me?To paint my nails red,The way I used to wear themOr file them down so I don’tPut a hole in my stockings.

Reflections at EdenAssociate training

Eden Humour - Funnyvegies

I love to feel pretty, to be pampered and toretain my manicured red nails, but most of allto feel the touch of someone’s hand. Myhands are a bit shaky now – will you do thisfor me?

Who has time for me?To take me to the store,To buy a card for my grandson and niece,Who I truly adore.I have never missed family events - whystop now! Don’t bring me the cards – takeme shopping please as I like to read theverse to suit the person and occasion.

Who has time for me?To play a game with me,I have many memories to share,From a childhood in the past.Please play with me – my brain still kicksover you know. I thrive on keeping it activeand maybe I can show YOU something new.

Who has time for me?Just to spend with meI can’t do very muchBut it won’t be boringI promise, you’ll see.Get to know me, as I want to know you.Let’s share our past, present and future – mywisdom may help you in your life’s journey.

Please see me, hear me, touch me, listen tome – I am still here in mind, body and soul.“I give to you – from you I receive”.

TRAINING FOR 2008Check out the advertisingflyer on the website under

the Conference and Trainingsection.

CONTACTS:Eden In Oz Office:PO Box 8219, CARRUM DOWNS, VIC 3201Tel: 03 9728 7446Fax: 03 9761 9899Email: [email protected]: www.edeninoz.com

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Board of Directors:

Petra NeelemanChief Executive OfficerDutchCare LtdPO Box 8219, CARRUM DOWNS Vic 3201Tel: 03 9782 6633Mobile: 0419 303 923Email: [email protected]

Rhonda PeploeChief Executive OfficerContinuing Health Care20 Betty Street NEDLANDS WA 6009Tel: 08 9386 6333Mobile: 0413 152 772Email: [email protected]

Cathy MeyerChief Operations OfficerDomain Aged Care64 Marine Parade SOUTHPORT QLD 4215Tel: 07 5556 5300Mobile: 0411 881 745Email: [email protected]

Ann MacbethFuturist & PrincipalAnnimac ConsultantsPO Box 99 BASSENDEAN WA 6934Tel: 08 9378 3424Email: [email protected]

Victoria May30 Sargeant Street WARRAGUL VIC 3820Tel: 03-5623 2752Mobile: 04-1711 5593Email: [email protected]

World Wide Web talkIS THE EDEN WORK/JOURNEY WORTHTHE EFFORT????

Here is an email sent via the website:

“Hi! I just heard about this new concept innursing residents and just wanted to congratu-late you on branching out into a whole new wayfor seniors to live in nursing homes. For far toolong I have seen what the old concept hasdone in ruining minds and spirits of the seniorsand some staff like myself who cringe at theway these people are treated. It truly is a sadtime now when everything evolves aroundthe almighty dollar and I am afraid thatbusiness's and some staff alike have lost thereal reason why these premises are built.Keep up the good work and I am hoping withall my heart that some day I myself will beworking in one of these places to bring qualityof life not quantity. Thanks again”

(Name withheld)

Thanks!Just wanted to convey my thanks to you allpersonally, for making the Eden in Oz experi-ence such an awesome one for me so far!As we discussed - sometimes some groupsjust don’t work well together - and to mydelight - it was my pleasure to have yourcompany throughout the training. In fact Ifind myself wishing you were all a bit closeralready. A special thanks to the facilitators - whathope you have given back to me!... I also wanted to share with you a thoughtthat I had while driving home after the meet-ing “Success is not measured by the lack ofobstacles in our lives, but by the ability toovercome them” (One of my good friends often quotes thisone and I thought it was applicable for whatwe may be trying to accomplish within eachof our Homes...)”

Charmain DiverMANAGER Gracedale Home & Hospital68 Mt Roskill Road, Mt Roskill
