FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jennifer Clar, 760-1334

DATE: June 24, 2008

ST. JOHN'S EMPLOYEE WINS FIRST INTERNATIONAL EDEN CAREPARTNER AWARD

Groundskeeper's Focus on Elders Transcends Traditional Job Role

Groundskeeper (noun): a person who cares for the grounds of a usually large property.

Greg Payne not only cares for the grounds of St. John's Home, but also nurtures life for the people who live there.

Payne, known to the elders of St. John's Home as “Greg Grounds,” has been awarded the first International Eden Carepartner award, which recognizes the efforts of anyone working in an Eden-registered Home for his or her contributions toward making a better world for elders. Payne was presented the award at the recent international Eden Alternative conference held in Columbus, OH.

When asked about receiving this honor, Payne humbly states, “It’s not my award. It’s all about the elders. They are the ones who invited us into their home. They give us their time. They give us love and understanding. Who can’t grow and shine in something like that?”

In addition to his regular duties, Payne has organized a Green Thumb Society, meeting every week with elders to start seedlings and pot plants to be delivered to those who are unable to participate. He will often stop a family member or visitor in the hall and give him or her a plant, explaining that Eden is about continuing to grow, no matter what our age. Payne has also authored a poem with elders, entitled “My Season,” which reflects the never-ending journey of life.

Culture change for elder care is central to the Eden Alternative.  St. John’s Home began its journey in Eden six years ago, and has been the only registered Eden nursing home in Rochester for the past four years. St. John’s Home and the Rochester Presbyterian Home are the only Eden Alternative providers in upstate New York. 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.

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