The Eden Alternative

The Eden Alternative^® is an innovative approach to aged care that supports our residents to enjoy lives filled with meaning and purpose

A visionary philosophy of care

HBH is proud to be one of only few fully registered Eden Alternative® homes in Auckland. The Eden Alternative® is a philosophy that rethinks residential care by placing the needs, desires and wellbeing of older people at the heart of everything we do.

This approach is rooted in the belief that the three plagues of residential care – loneliness, helplessness, and boredom – can be overcome by fostering loving companionship, providing opportunities to give as well as receive, and creating an environment rich in variety and spontaneity.  

The key message of Eden is simple: those who live here should feel as healthy, happy, purposeful and fulfilled as possible, no matter their health or disability challenges.

Wellbeing is a human right, at any age

The Eden philosophy guides us to create care environments that feel like home – places where older people enjoy comfort, dignity, happiness, and growth. These environments nurture the Seven Domains of Wellbeing: identity, connectedness, security, autonomy, meaning, growth, and joy. Here, companionship and the sharing of care ensure that life continues to be rich and purposeful.

Aged care that really cares

At the heart of this unique philosophy is the belief that aged care should go far beyond simply meeting physical or medical needs. It promotes care that fosters community rather than loneliness, meaningful activity rather than boredom, and self-reliance rather than helplessness.

An ongoing journey of learning

In each HBH Care Community, staff and residents learn together, continually advancing our Eden journey. By embracing the Ten Principles of Eden®, we aim to create a nurturing environment where residents feel valued, connected and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.

What Eden means to the HBH Community

When you visit HBH Senior Living, you’ll notice a vibrant atmosphere that reflects our commitment to the Eden Alternative’s Seven Domains of Wellbeing. Here’s how these elements come to life in our community:

Identity – Residents are encouraged to lead and initiate activities, fostering a sense of individuality and personal history.
Connectedness – Volunteers and visitors of all ages, including school students and kindergarten groups, regularly engage with residents, enriching their lives through shared experiences.
Security – A resident has their own private room where staff always knock before entering. Care plans are explained in plain language, so the resident understands and feels confident about their choices. This creates safety, dignity and peace of mind.

Autonomy – Residents have the freedom to choose their daily routines, promoting self-determination and personal choice.
Meaning – Engaging in activities like gardening, crafts and assisting with daily tasks allows residents to find purpose and contribute to the community.
Growth – Opportunities for ongoing personal growth are abundant, with residents participating in new activities and sharing their skills with others.
Joy – Spontaneous events such as impromptu discos, infuse daily life with happiness and delight, creating moments of pure joy.