May 29, 2007

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

BIGFORK VALLEY HOSTS REGIONAL EDEN ALTERNATIVE TRAINING

The ideas behind the Eden Alternative have transformed the nursing home landscape. In 1998, Bigfork Valley was one of the pioneers of the concept which realized that there were other whole person values as important to elder living as the medical regime. Transforming from a medical model to a social model where the elder has choice and the living space incorporates those things like pets and plants that make it like home gave Bigfork Valley Communities international recognition.

The Eden Alternative has continued to improve and incorporate new ideas. In May, Bigfork Valley hosted a regional three day training workshop to train nursing home staff in the principles of the Eden Alternative and how to achieve the desired outcomes of combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom.

"It was a pleasure and honor to host this training," said Ken Westman, COO and Director of Senior Services for Bigfork Valley. "The Eden Alternative is one of the philosophies of care that we have found to be very successful in our own Bigfork Valley Communities. It recognizes the importance of each individual's own preferences and the importance of creating a homelike environment."

Participants were nursing home staff from Minnesota and Iowa. Dr. Al Power, M.D. of St. John's Home in Rochester, New York served as instructor and facilitator for the session.

Bigfork Valley is a diversified medical campus with senior residential housing and care options located in Bigfork, Minn. Bigfork Valley Communities can be reached at (218) 743-3174 or at www.bigforkvalley.org.