he Juneau Pioneers' Home was completed in 1988 and is currently home to forty-eight Alaskan seniors. The Home is nestled in the wetlands along Juneau's Egan Drive and has breathtaking views of nearby mountains and the channel that divides the mainland from Douglas Island. Living in the heart of a true wilderness provides residents the opportunity to view wildlife such as brown bears, eagles, ravens, blue herons, kingfishers, porcupines, deer, and squirrels.

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Long hallways in the original Home have been replaced by four small neighborhoods, each acting as a mini community. The neighborhoods are supported by a team made up of residents, caregivers, support staff, family members, friends and volunteers. The team members sustain each other and individuals are encouraged to be creative in the development of a caring and loving home. The neighborhood concept is instrumental in building an atmosphere where loved ones who have dementia can feel safe and appreciated.

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Inside, the Juneau Pioneers' Home teems with activity. A variety of common and elegant birds sit on top of their cages and are taken care of by residents themselves, with occasional assistance from staff. The Great Hall, dining areas, and neighborhood corridors are frequently alight with fresh flowers, and many household plants create a tropical human habitat. Four friendly cats roam freely throughout the neighborhoods providing companionship to whoever will stop long enough for petting, stroking or an occasional ear scratch. Spontaneity is the catchphrase of the day!

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In 1998 the Juneau Pioneers' Home embraced the Eden Alternative® philosophy. Staff work on combating the three plagues of loneliness, boredom and helplessness that many seniors may feel. The Eden goal is to create an environment where elders, caregivers, support staff, family members, friends, and volunteers can flourish and grow. Central to the Eden philosophy is that decisions are made by people closest to the resident, or by the by resident themselves.

The Home partners with the University of Southeast Alaska to provide certified nurse aide training, and periodically staff offer community workshops on working with people who have dementia.

The Juneau Pioneers' Home provides opportunities for residents to continue to improve, in spite of the physical or cognitive challenges that individuals may face. It is a home where the focus is on people's abilities, their potential for personal growth, and a place where the heart is really the heart of the Home.