The Eden Alternative difference

After Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) reached Milestone Two on the Eden Alternative® Registry, Rand Aid speaks more on the benefits of Eden Alternative.

“The Eden Alternative initiative is truly excellent for Rand Aid and very necessary to ensure we bring the highest level of care and well-being to our residents,” said Rand Aid CEO Peter Quinn.

He thanks every staff member at every job level and in every position who collectively made an important contribution to ensuring residents’ well-being.

“Each one is of equal importance and all are highly valued,” said Quinn.

Magda Pienaar, Rand Aid’s executive director, said RSCC offers personalised care to their residents, which takes into account their holistic well-being and not just their physical care.

“The care partners are aware of what holds meaning for individual residents, even in simple, everyday things.”

She included RSCC’s care partners are committed and work well together as a team and value relationships.

“They give recognition and celebrate achievements,” said Pienaar.

Pienaar said she is inspired by the growth and development of individual employees over the years.

She added RSCC acknowledges and empowers the contribution of all its employees, regardless of their level.

“It is a privilege to work with this team of passionate individuals and to see the difference they make in the lives of elders and their families,” said Pienaar.

According to Zabeth Zühlsdorff, Rand Aid’s general manager, the care centre’s Eden Alternative journey has been transformational.

“Quality care has always been measured against objective criteria and standards equate homes for older persons with hospitals or nursing homes, with a primary focus on nursing care.”

With such a narrow focus, Zühlsdorff said it is easy to concentrate only on the requirements of a person’s illness, age or disability and to overlook the social, emotional, spiritual and growth needs of the person.

Often, Zühlsdorff said their personal needs, preferences and dreams are not considered.

“The Eden Alternative philosophy has enabled us to see the person and not the patient. Each person who comes to live with us has a history, has memories, dreams, aspirations and a need to be acknowledged for who they are.”

Zühlsdorff described the home as their home and has created a warm, loving and caring environment where each person can experience a life worth living.

She said residents are not there to be treated and discharged; they are there to live in their new home.

“They must feel loved, secure, experience joy, feel they belong, must be able to participate in meaningful activities and make choices on what affects them most.”

Families are free to visit any time as per Zühlsdorff, as warm relationships between residents, families and staff prevail, as well as a general spirit of optimism and hope.

“The care centre is a place where residents and staff can have fun, where life can be enjoyed and where achievements are celebrated and losses acknowledged and shared. It has become a human habitat,” said Zühlsdorff.