Families and our community are encouraged to take an active role. The Eden Alternative™ helps remind us that while loneliness, helplessness and boredom can happen to any of us, these are more prevalent as we age as we are less able to leave our homes to go out into the community. The Eden Alternative™ improves the well-being of Elders and those who care for them by transforming the communities in which they live and work. It focuses on relationships and empowering Elders to make their own decisions. One of our Elders, Helga, loves creating art and we have made a space for her to permanently house her paints, pencils, and other equipment. She is free to paint all night if she wishes, as long as the nurses know that’s where she is. This is her home and we empower her to follow her passion.