ST. JOHN'S EDEN ALTERNATIVE BLOSSOMS AT LILAC FESTIVAL

Not only will the lilacs be in bloom at Highland Park this week, but also the spirit of the Eden Alternative, a movement that is revolutionizing the way we care for our elders. Thanks to the commitment of staff and volunteers, residents of St. John’s Home, the only registered Eden nursing home in Rochester, will experience the sights, smells and sounds of one of Rochester’s most famous festivals – right in their front yard.

St. John’s Home has over 120 certified Eden Associates on staff from all departments and numerous volunteers who will be engaging residents in daily outings to and from the festival, which runs May 9 – 18. Those elders who prefer to stay closer to the Home will enjoy the festival from the grounds of St. John’s, participating in activities and celebrations on-site.

Culture change for elder care is central to the Eden Alternative.  St. John’s Home, 150 Highland Avenue, began its journey in Eden six years ago, and has been a registered Eden home for the past four years. The basic principle of the Eden Home centers on creating an environment for continuing growth and fulfillment.  Eden promotes companionship, a sense of purpose, variety and spontaneity in day-to-day life for elders who live in nursing homes and who are receiving care in their own homes.

St. John's Home has provided a continuum of care for the elderly in Rochester since 1899 as a not-for-profit residential health care facility. Specialty programs include Comfort Care, Rehabilitation, and Alzheimer's/dementia care, as well as long term care, serving a total of 475 residents. St. John's Home also provides services for people who continue to live in their own homes, including Day Break medical and social adult day service programs, and Traditions in Caring, a licensed home health care agency owned in part by St. John's. Affiliated with St. John's Home as part of St. John's Senior Communities are St. John's Meadows and St. John's Foundation.

###