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The Eden Tree is to display symbols representing each of the "Ten Principles of the Eden Alternative" as residents and employees implement the philosophy. This plaque is proudly displayed in the Masonic Health Care Center.
In addition to the tree unveiling, residents, children from the Masonic Homes' Child Care Center, volunteers, and staff performed skits, songs, and cheers; read poetry; and made gifts and refreshments for after the celebration. The Masonic Homes' Second Annual Flower Show was in progress during the event, which created a beautiful atmosphere.
The Eden Alternative philosophy, founded by William Thomas, M.D., in 1991, is a set of ideas and practices for transforming long term care facilities into homes, improving the quality of life for their residents. The philosophy seeks to eliminate loneliness, helplessness, and boredom from residents' lives by bringing animals, plants, and children back into their homes.
In an Eden Alternative home, residents have the opportunity to care for other living things and experience variety and spontaneity in their everyday lives. In this way, the Eden Alternative process also seeks to eliminate unnecessary medicine and therapies, thereby ensuring residents a higher quality of life.
The Masonic Homes is one of only eight long-term care homes in Pennsylvania to become registered as an Eden Alternative site, and is the only registered site in Central Pennsylvania. There are 184 fully registered Eden homes in the United States and Canada.
If you are interested in helping with the Masonic Homes' Eden Alter-native efforts, contact one of the Masonic Homes' Eden Alternative Associates:
Mark Eyer, Social Services Supervisor: <<marke@masonichomespa.org>>
Vicki Gillmore, RN, PhD, NHA, Adm., Health Care Services: <<vickig@masonichomespa.org>>
Joyce Heisey, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing: <<joyceh@masonichomespa.org>>
Cathy Misiewicz, RN: <<cmisiew@masonichomespa.org>>
Kirk Rakos, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor: <<kirkr@masonichomespa.org>>
Lori Seiders, Manager, Organization Development & Training: <<loris@masonichomespa.org>> |
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The Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown celebrated its registration as an Eden Alternative™ site by unveiling its Eden Tree on Tuesday, Mar. 7, in the Masonic Health Care Center Assembly Room.
