Situating Eden—Culture change in residential aged care: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective: This review explored the knowledge of the Eden Alternative [Eden] as a well-being model for aged care and the current research of relationship-centred care in a residential setting to identify gaps in the literature. Methods: The search commenced in July 2017 and was updated in January 2020. Eight electronic databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 and 2020. The search revealed 13 papers for final inclusion. Results: The Eden model has the potential to reduce loneliness, helplessness and boredom in older people. Implementation requires committed leadership and the inclusion of residents, families and staff in decision-making. Conclusions: There remain gaps in the empirical evidence of the benefit of the Eden model. The challenge is for researchers to provide rigorous study design that can evidence well-being outcomes for residents with complex needs.