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Student Reactions to Eden Alternative,
a philosophy of care that attempts to combat loneliness, helplessness
and boredom among seniors in long term care. Life revolves around
close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children,
providing the elderly with a renewed energy about living the
rest of their lives.
- The
Eden Alternative program is the result of our society's slowly changing attitudes
about older adults. We've dispelled many of the myths of old age and no longer
believe that an old person cannot or should not enjoy life. Modern nursing focuses
on the physical and psychosocial well-being of the clientele. We have finally
realized that the elderly do not just need help with activities of daily living,
but they also want to continue social interaction. We now look at quality of life.
Just like the video said, the care provided in these Eden Alternative long term
care settings is of the whole human being, not just the human body.
- Traditional
nursing homes provide physical and medical care, while the patients' emotional
and spiritual issues are not generally addressed. After viewing the tape on the
Eden Alternative I'm hoping that more long term facilities will adopt this principle.
The children, teachers, volunteers all benefit from this experience
Student
Reactions to Elderly Couple's Story
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Marge, the wife and
caregiver in this video, is at risk for burnout. She avoids
arguments and tries to please her negative and demanding
husband Walter. She needs support from adult children
and community, regular outlets for expressing frustration,
time away from the house, and time to pursue her gardening
and dancing…
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Marge has classic
caregiver burnout symptoms: depression, stress, irritability,
withdrawal from friends, feelings of hopelessness and
helplessness, and emotional and physical exhaustion…
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Walter and Marge often
argue over simple matters which Marge "drops to keep
the peace". She habitually retreats to her car to
cry. By continuously internalizing all of her frustrations
and feelings, she is at risk for a huge blowup as her
level of tension builds…With her constant worry and
frustration, Marge's own health is at risk…Strategies
for reducing her risk of caregiver burnout should include,
as finances permit, some degree of home care for Walter…
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Marge needs to rest
her mind, body and spirit. Friends and family should take
turns watching Walter. She needs to be reassured that
she will be revitalized by spending time away from Walter.
She musn't feel guilty…
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