Eden Alternative

A cornerstone of the Eden Alternative concept is that residents should have close and continuing contact with as much human habitat as they choose to embrace.  Grand Traverse Pavilions has adopted this concept.

The Eden Alternative was originated by William Thomas, M.D., of Sherburne, N.Y.  Dr. Thomas has extended his personal congratulations to Grand Traverse Pavilions for its role in introducing and implementing the process.

Grand Traverse Pavilions embraces the 10 Eden Alternative Principles.

These principles include:

Principle One:
Loneliness, helplessness, and boredom are painful and destructive to our health and well-being.

Principle Two:
A Caring, inclusive and vibrant community enables all of us, regardless of age or ability, to experience well-being.

Principle Three:
We thrive when we have easy access to companionship we desire. This is the antidote to loneliness.

Principle Four:
We thrive when we have purpose and the opportunity to give, as well as receive. This is the antidote to helplessness.

Principle Five:
We thrive when we have variety, spontaneity, and unexpected happenings in our lives. This is the antidote to boredom.

Principle Six:
Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. Meaning is unique to each of us and is essential to health and well-being.

Principal Seven:
We are more than our medical diagnoses. Medical treatment should support and empower us to experience a life worth living.

Principal Eight:
Decision-making must involve those most impacted by the decision. Empowerment activates choice, autonomy, and influence.

Principal Nine:
Building a collaborative and resilient culture is a never-ending process. We need to keep learning, developing, and adapting.

Principal Ten:
Wise leadership is the key to meaningful and lasting change. For it, there can be no substitute.

Rev. 11/17/2020

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