In our commitment to create better social and physical environments for our people, Sunset Retirement Communities has dedicated itself to creating a vibrant atmosphere that eliminates the plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.

As an Eden Alternative Community, we subscribe to the concept of improving the life of older adults and recapturing a meaningful work life for their caregivers. The core concept is strikingly simple. We must teach ourselves and the greater community to see environments as habitats for human beings rather than facilities for the frail and elderly.

The Eden Alternative demonstrates how the opportunity to give meaningful care to other living things, and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment can succeed where traditional pills and therapies sometimes fall short. Through inspired leadership and teamwork it's possible to create a warm culture that is characterized by optimism, trust and generosity.

The medical model that has been dominant in the care of older adults has many limitations. The plagues of the human spirit run rampant in these cold, sterile social and physical environments. They need, want and deserve autonomy over their daily lives. An Eden Alternative Community gives it back to them.


What differences will I notice in an Eden Alternative community?

Sights
At Sunset Retirement Communities, you'll notice live, green plants everywhere - not just in the lobby area. A cat may scurry past you with a child in hot pursuit. Or a dog may be napping at the front door. You'll certainly see smiling faces - on both the residents and the caregivers. People will be engaged in life, not slumped in their wheelchairs as the time ticks away. You might also see caregivers and residents meeting to build teamwork and community.

Sounds
You'll also hear welcoming sounds like birds singing or children laughing. There may be music playing or people visiting with each other. Respectful voices will be heard-from caregivers to residents and administrators toward caregivers.

Smells
Sunset Retirement Communities understands the importance of maintaining a clean, safe environment. Don't be surprised if you smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread or cookies being prepared by the residents and children together.

Feelings
You may not be able to describe it, but you will certainly feel something different at Sunset Retirement Communities. The feeling is simply love. Love abounds, so relax and enjoy the refreshing environment.


The Eden Alternative Story

The Eden Alternative was founded by Dr. William and Jude Thomas when they began to think about making a better world for our older adults.

Shortly after taking a job at the local nursing home, Dr. Thomas was making his rounds one day. He went to see a woman who had a rash on her arm. In his best doctor voice, he leaned down and screamed in her ear, "Hello, I'm Dr. Thomas, what can I do for you today?"

He will never forget the beautiful blue eyes that stared up at him as she reached up to draw him closer. And he will never forget the words she whispered, "Doctor, I am so lonely."

Those words haunted him for weeks as he searched his medical texts and found nothing. And so he began to think about a different kind of world. He began to think about a true human habitat - a place where humans could live, not just wait to die. And so began the story of the Eden Alternative.

A mission-based service of Sunset Retirement Communities