Influence of the Eden Alternative™ on the Functional Status of Nursing Home Residents

The Eden Alternative™ was initiated to reduce feelings of loneliness, boredom, and helplessness among nursing home residents through interactions with plants, animals, and children in their environment. This study assessed the effects of the Eden Alternative on residents' physical, mental, emotional, and social function. Data were collected from observations of residents' interactions, ratings from selected functional indicators in the Minimum Data Set (MDS), and interviews with staff members. Data from on-site observations and staff interviews indicate that the added stimuli in the Edenized environment helped promote function among residents, particularly in the physical and social domains. However, no significant changes were found in most of the MDS indicators.