The Eden Alternative

"Eden was the world we were supposed to inhabit. And here we are taking care of our elders, and we have an opportunity to make an environment for them the way it ought to be." - Bill Thomas, Geriatrician

The Eden Alternative seeks to eliminate the three plagues of the long-term care institution-loneliness, helplessness and boredom. The Eden Alternative’s purpose is to show others how companion animals, the opportunity to care for other living things and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment can succeed where pills and therapies fail.

The mission of the Eden Concept is to improve the well being of Elders and those who care for them by transforming the communities in which they live and work.

It is our hope that the Eden Concept will make Sanctuary at Saint Mary's feel more like home and less like an institution.

Sanctuary at Saint Mary's embraces the Eden Concept and is looking forward to the changes it will bring to our home in the coming years. If you have questions about the Eden Concept or have ideas on how you can make a difference as a volunteer at Sanctuary at Saint Mary's, please contact our Admissions or Activity Department.

Click here to see scaled-down versions of some of our Eden Alternative posters.