December, 2004

This season reminds us to reach out and share our blessings with people of all faiths in the world.

This Holiday Quilt - celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Eid-al-Fitr, was hand-painted by the Residents of Mercy with the assistance of Artist-in-Residence Lisa Kokin, December 2004.

Eden Journal - December, 2003
Home for the Holidays

Dr. Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative, tells a story called "Caleb's Basket" in which a wise old man teaches his young apprentice the importance of filling his life with meaning.

This story contains powerful messages for us, especially during the holiday season.

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Helen Horn, a Salem Terrace resident, picks parsley for her pal, Bunny-Bunny.

Eden Journal - October, 2003
Giving and Receiving Care

It can be so difficult to give care to others when you live in a long-term care community. Often, you are simply not able to do many of the caring things you used to do. And if you happen to be able to do those things, the opportunities are much less in your new home.

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"Long-term care should be about life worth living
for today's elders and for tomorrow's. The Green House is just the beginning." - William Thomas, MD.

"Green House Project"

Click here to read about the "Green House Project", a remarkable new concept in Elder care, pioneered in part by Eden Founder Dr. William Thomas.

By critically examining the reality of skilled nursing facilities and both the strengths and weaknesses of The Eden Alternative, Dr. Thomas and many others with an expertise in long-term care have developed a new conceptual model for the care of the frail elderly and chronically ill. The Green House model not only redesigns the skilled nursing home, but, borrowing from The Eden Alternative, provides the frail elder with an environment that promotes autonomy, dignity, privacy and choice and an exciting and meaningful work experience for those who care for them.

Eden Journal - July, 2003
A Wing and a Prayer fund-raiser

Our "Wing and a Prayer" fund-raiser was a terrific success. Thanks to some yummy treats and generous donors, Mercy and Salem raised a total of $1,081.75! Thank you to all who participated.

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Eden Journal - May, 2003
A Wing and a Prayer

On Friday, April 11th, one of our cockatiels, a particularly loud and personable male named Jordan, left his perch and fluttered to the ground. Not nearly as quick (or strong) as he thought, he was struck by an oncoming cart and his left wing was fractured.

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Eden Journal - April, 2003
So Your Mom Wants a Cat

Helping your loved one get a pet of their own is a terrific idea! Pets can be such wonderful companions for anyone, especially our Elders. Not only that, but they add an extra special touch to the whole community, so that everyone benefits from their presence.

There are a few things that need to happen, though, before you make that trip to the pet store or local animal shelter.

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Eden Journal - March, 2003
A Special Gift

After months of fruitless searching, Mercy Care Center was finally blessed with an amazing dog: a sweet Golden Retriever named Captain. And we might not have ever found him if it weren't for some very generous people.

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