The goal instead should be to create a society that conforms to our elders. Studies that have followed nursing home residents before and after adopting the edenizing approach to living found a dramatic decrease in overall medication use, especially the use of psychotropic drugs. Residents were also less likely to suffer from upper respiratory infections, and staff turnover was 30 percent less than in traditional facilities. Heart of the Valley will use the grant to hire a part-time coordinator who will lead the staff in understanding and adopting the edenizing ideas. The staff will become involved in decisions about birds, fish and animals for the residents who reside on the units where they work.
Designs are underway to build and install wheelchair-accessible raised gardens.