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Office of Services to the Aging Director to be in Grayling
May 15, 2001
Michigan Office of Services to the Aging Director, Lynn Alexander, will be presenting the Eden Tree to Mercy Manor on Wednesday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m. Mercy Manor is located at 1100 Michigan Avenue in Grayling.
Mercy Manor is a not-for-profit hospital long term care unit that has implemented the Eden Alternative approach to providing care for its residents.
"The Eden Alternative can dramatically improve the quality of life for a person in need of long term care," said Alexander. "This innovative approach teaches that long-term care facilities should be habitats for human beings rather than institutions for the frail and elderly. It works to alleviate the loneliness, helplessness and boredom some nursing home residents can experience."
The Eden Alternative de-emphasizes structured activities and introduces plants, animals and children as a regular part of the living habitat. It promotes a team approach to care so decisions can be made by the resident or their family. The Eden Alternative was created by Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard-educated physician.
Mercy Manor will now be placed on the Eden Alternative Registry, which signifies a home's commitment to continually strive for quality. The Eden Tree is a plaque symbolizing this designation.
"I look forward to being at Mercy Manor on Wednesday," said Alexander. "This will be a true celebration of their hard work and continuing efforts to improve the quality of life of those in need of long term care."