Friday, July 13, 2007

Questions Coming In

Today I asked my closest friends to give me feedback on my quest and I received a number of poignant questions. Let me share with you.
  • what is the mission of this foundation - I am working on a vision and mission statement but to simplify, the mission is to use funds to buy assisted living facilities for seniors in smaller centres where the need is high and the care is low (so many of them these days) and apply the Eden Philosophy to turn them into homes where seniors would be pleased to live out their days.
  • what will I do with the money raised - use the money to buy facilities, renovate facilities, train staff, etc. In Alberta, the province provides funding to seniors facilities on a per resident basis. That funding, along with the rent paid by the residents will be expected to cover the expenses of that facility.
  • will there be employees of the foundation - first off, every non-profit must have at least 3 non-paid directors (they can also be paid employees). I have 3 directors, including myself. Until the foundation really takes off, there will be no paid employees. Once we are at the point where buildings are being purchased, then there will be a need for employees. I expect 2 or 3 at that point: a CAO or CEO, a financial/administrative support position and possibly an additional person to scout for suitable locations.
  • what kind of changes will I make at the building I wish to purchase - this building is very new but does require an expanded great room and landscaping. My plan is to involve the community as much as possible to keep expenses low (kind of a habitat for humanity type venture). Staffing levels need to change and volunteers need to be added to the mix.

I am grateful for all the questions you have of this venture, without them I would only see my viewpoint. Your viewpoint expands my vision. I look forward to receiving more of them!

First things first!

Today I am getting all the information I require to set up a charitable organization. I would like to be able to issue tax receipts and I know a non-profit is the best way to go as I grow this opportunity. I know I'm starting with only one building but I believe that its success will be the catalyst for more such homes. Don't all seniors deserve to live in a home environment rather than a hospital environment? Just because they are old doesn't mean they should be segregated and treated less than human!

Picking a name has been difficult. I've gone through several options. I think I finally have one that fits - Foundation for Innovative Seniors Housing. I'm going to need a logo and was thinking about something simple that included a heart and a house or perhaps a tree and a heart. I'm not that artistic so if there is anyone out there interested in submitting some ideas, please email me!!

My Goal

Have you seen the way our seniors are treated in most facilities? They are treated like medical patients, not like people, even when they are well. I want to change that.

I have been doing alot of research on the Eden Philosophy and I am now making the commitment to change the lives of seniors by working to build homes that run on this philosophy (truly, not just saying they do).

I am an experienced administrator with experience in commercial real estate and paralegal training. I have an understanding of elder care, having been intimately involved in the care of my wonderful grandmother in her last years. I understand the legal issues, government interactions and human needs particular to elder care. I know that my experience, training and dedication can make a real difference in this area and I'm ready to step up to the plate to do that.

I am asking the internet world to help me in my quest. I want to create a seniors facility in my town that is in desperate need of seniors housing. This town has a very high level of seniors and very little in assisted living choice. The current choices are:
- move away
- live in the long term facility (think medical/hospital setting)
- live in an expensive private facility

I want to add another choice. An assisted living facility run on the Eden philosophy, where the residents play an integral role in how THEIR home runs. A home of joy and life!

So what am I asking for from the internet world? Advice of any kind, but in particular, money. If the internet world will support someone looking to raise funds to pay off their student loans, then maybe they will also be willing to support this kind of fundraising. All I ask is that you send me $1 on behalf of each of your grandparents, or more if you so desire! Anything and everything will be accepted gratefully!

10 Eden Principles

  • The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering among our elders.
  • An Elder-centered community commits to creating a Human Habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike a pathway to a life worth living.
  • Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. Elders deserve easy access to human and animal companionship.
  • An Elder-centered community creates opportunities to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness.
  • An Elder-centered community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom.
  • Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.
  • Medical treatments should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.
  • An Elder-centered community honors its Elders by de-emphasizing top down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision making authority into the hands of the Elders or into the hands of those closest to them.
  • Creating an Elder-Centered community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life.
  • Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no substitute.