September 21 2006 Media release FRESH APPROACH TO AGED CARE An innovative and refreshing concept in aged care is becoming a growing movement among care providers throughout Australia. Loneliness, boredom and helplessness are likely to become things of the past as 80 becomes the new 60 under the 'caring and sharing' philosophies of the Eden Alternative. With the emphasis on engaging aged care residents to be active participants in life by providing 'communities within communities', it's not hard to see why the Eden Alternative is catching on. Although only about 10 government and private facilities throughout Queensland have adopted the American model developed by Harvard medical school graduate Dr William Thomas, Eden mentor and director of Guardian Group aged care provider, Cathy Meyer, says it won't be long before others follow suit. "Our aim is to empower the residents and give them back some sense of self by providing a stimulating and engaging environment where they can participate in life." The demand for quality aged care facilities is on the rise especially since Australia's population over 80 is growing steadily, says Ms Meyer. Since opening its doors to residents almost a month ago, the Guardian Group's Raynbird Place (low and high care aged care facility) at Carseldine is already at 100% occupancy. "It's quite staggering, especially since we had allowed 15 months to reach our maximum capacity," she says. But it's more than the comfortable, colourful and caring ambience at Raynbird that has made it a popular lifestyle choice for residents. It may be surprising to some that children's books and toys can be found in the dining rooms and playground equipment will soon be part of the Raynbird landscape. Although it's early days at Raynbird Place, the Eden principles that have become the fabric of daily living at Guardian's two other aged care centres - Abbey Gardens at Morayfield and Burpengary Gardens, Burpengary, are finding fertile ground. Residents in Guardian's aged care facilities are actively encouraged to continue regular social interaction with children, companion animals and community groups on an internal and external basis, explains Ms Meyer. "The residents have a dog they care for and have started a partnership with a local childcare centre and they participate in everything from cooking to simply chatting and playing with the children. "We establish garden clubs and soon we will have vegetable and herb gardens with the harvest available for the families of kitchen staff or the residents," explains Ms Meyer. In addition to a greyhound, Burpengary Gardens has chickens and residents are responsible for collecting the eggs. 'All these activities give residents a sense of purpose. Most residents are too busy going about their daily activities to give the road ahead too much thought and the episodes of loneliness, boredom and helplessness are reduced," she says. She says many people who come into an Eden-inspired facility are 'institutionalised'. "They are depressed, frail and bored and it's wonderful when you seen the connection they make with the animals and children. The lights go back on and they begin to feel alive again." Ms Meyer believes aged care facilities, like Raynbird Place, will eventually become the hub for activities for people of all ages within their local communities. The Minister for Ageing, Senator the Hon Santo Santoro, who will officially open Raynbird Place on Monday September 25, says the Federal Government is keen to foster quality and innovation in aged care. "I applaud the developers of Raynbird Place for the emphasis they have placed on building a community for residents and their families," says Senator Santoro. "Innovative features such as shared kitchens, coffee shops, a function centre, theatrette and a children's playground will make Raynbird Place a genuine community for all ages. "I am sure those peop