In the Eden Alternative, the power base at the facility must turn upside down. The power being with the administration, doctors and nurses. If Eden is to be obtained, the power must shift to the residents, their families and the front line caregivers. This is done by using committees in all decision making. Each committee consists of residents, family members, volunteers, front-line staff, i.e. certified nurses, assistants, housekeeping and maintenance staff, laundry personnel.
Many folks ask that question.
We must remember that ultimately, everyone has a choice and as long as the facility documents the resident's choices, they will be in compliance. The ultimate authority lies with the individual, or their representative. They have the right to decide what is best, even if it is against state and federal guidelines. If the majority of residents in a facility want to live in a certain way, they have the right to do so. It is a fallacy that we lose choice when we enter a nursing facility.