Our philosophy of care
We believe in the dignity and value of each individual and promote acceptance and respect for all people. Our residents are the elders in our family. By virtue of their age and wisdom we look to them to help us define a lifestyle that is rewarding and a home that is truly home.
As an Eden Alternative residence we are committed to building a 'human habitat' that is full of life. Residents plant and tend our gardens and pursue meaningful roles. We have adopted pets and we welcome visits from children and teens. We encourage outreach to the neighborhood and involvement in the greater community so that our elders sustain a vital civic role.
Each Cottage Grove residence is considered a family made up of residents and staff. It is our intent to bring decision making to the residents and staff members of each home. These intimate households assure a greater emphasis on individuals and on choice and foster the growth of personal relationships.
Ultimately, our purpose is to reach each individual and assist him or her in leading a meaningful life with as much independence and freedom as possible. Our staff work to accommodate residents' needs and nurture their spirits. We want the 'sunset years' for our elders to be happy, safe and fulfilling.
The Eden Alternative
The Eden Alternative was founded in 1991 by Dr. William Thomas. It is a philosophy that expands the definition of caring from treatment and empathy to helping another person grow. According to Dr. Thomas, we have an obligation to provide our residents with companionship, variety, spontaneity and opportunities to give care. He suggests that environments with plants, animals and children should be an important part of adult living.
The Ten Principles of the Eden Alternative
The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of human suffering in a human community.
Life in a truly human community revolves around close and continuing contact with children, plants and animals. These ancient relationships provide young and old with a pathway to a life worth living.
Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. In a human community we must provide easy access to human and animal companionship.
To give care to another makes us stronger. To receive care gracefully is a pleasure and an art. A healthy human community promotes both of these virtues in its daily life, seeking always to balance one with the other.
Trust in each other allows us the pleasure of answering the needs of the moment. When we fill our lives with variety and spontaneity, we honor the world and our place in it.
Meaning is the food and water that nourishes the human spirit. It strengthens us. The counterfeits of meaning tempt us with hollow promises. In the end they always leave us empty and alone.
Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine caring, never its master.
In a human community, the wisdom of the elder grows in direct proportion to the honor and respect accorded to them.
Human growth must never be separated from human life.
Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no substitute.
The Rochester Presbyterian Home is a registered Eden Alternative Residence. Seventeen of our employees have extensive training in this philosophy and are certified Eden Associates. All of our employees participate in orientation to the Eden philosophy and receive ongoing training.