Eden Alternative

Bethesda is excited to be on the Eden Alternative Journey. The Eden Alternative is a philosophy dedicated to improving the quality of life for our residents and providing a desirable work environment for our staff.

The Eden Alternative is based on the premise that the bulk of human suffering for nursing home residents comes from loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Bethesda is committed to eliminating these plagues and to create a human habitat infused with plants, animals and children. A human habitat creates opportunities for residents to give care rather than always receive care, promotes variety and spontaneity and provides easy access to companionship. The Eden Alternative embraces the philosophy that nursing homes are not places to die but places to live.

Bethesda Heritage and Bethesda Pleasant View have plants throughout the facilities, including outdoor flowers and vegetables. Residents are encouraged to bring plants from home and care for them, as they are able.

Animals, including birds, cats, dogs and rabbits may have a permanent home at Bethesda. Residents may have birds live in their rooms per their request.

The presence of children also promotes companionship, spontaneity and variety for our elders. Pleasant View is very excited about the Head Start program located in the facility nine months of the year. Children are involved through regular visits from other school children, church organizations and 4-H clubs as well.

Heritage Center promotes close and continuing contact between elders and children by close collaboration with area churches, schools, day camps and other local organizations. Heritage Center strives to make children a central part of daily life. Successful programs have included: Heritage Helpers youth volunteer program, Heritage Summer Day Camp and Junior High Computer Companions.

Edenizing is a continual journey--one that will never stop. Bethesda continues to strive to create an environment that nurtures the philosophy that life truly is worth living.