Hello Oprah

[rx4fun75]

Our nursing home is implementing Dr. Bill's philosophy and it is making a world of difference for the elders who live there. Oprah really needs to let the world know about this.

[MMMannix]

Dr Thomas is inspirational. He is an outside the box thinker who applies his creativity to real issues affecting our elders.

[dberaactdir]

As someone who has worked in long term care for 30+ years, I say it's about time that society as a whole changes their outlook on aging. It's time for the media to stop promoting youth as the be all, end all, as we all age if we are lucky, the alternative is to die young, personally, I'd rather age well. The focus should be on aging well throughout our life-span and to view aging as a normal part of the life-cycle, not something to be feared. There is so much that people can do to age well.

[pulsebreathing]

His book is truly literary and inspiring and revolutionary in the way he has a paradigm shift for elders. Black people, Native Americans and many other cutlures around the world value and respect elders. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could find a way to love them too?

[FastfilmTV]

This is SO important because we will all be there some day and when we do let's make sure we have some choice about our environment. Get the conversation going and open the doors on Elder Care to the main stream media.

[AliceTruluck]

Oprah, In 2002 I was honored to be on the team that planned the 1st International Eden Alternative Conference. Held in Myrtle Beach, SC, we had 36 states and 11 countries represented - Bill Thomas has a following but they are VERY busy doing the noble work of caring for elders. Please give this your time. It will be one of the many causes as you build your amazing legacy.

[TheShredanator]

I am an Geriatric RN. I am also a fan of Oprah. I would love a show with Bill Thomas as I am working to create an elder community using his techniques. Thank you.

[AliceTruluck]

I have known Dr. Bill for over 10 years. He is an amazing person with a heart of gold. Oprah, you are missing something special if you don't put him on your show. He is known internationally as a trail blazer for bringing true home to elders currently living in "institutions" all over this country. He is a modern day disciple in my opinion. Please give him your time and attention and become a world changer for the elderly. Thank you.

[SuzNagel]

Thanks Dr. Thomas for getting this grassroots message to Oprah started. Our elders (now and in future) deserve a life as you describe. I am a "youngster" living amongst neighbors who are all over 70 yr. old. They fear the future of living in a nursing home where they will be lonely, in pain (mentally & physically) and just left to die when they can no longer be the captain of their own ship.

[kairia221]

Dr. Bill Thomas is right on track! His vision is the only type of nursing home I would want for my loved ones!

[1bebbus]

Twelve years ago I began in the field of Activities with our Elders. I have been touched by so many Elders showing me there is life after retirement. Dr. Thomas's beliefs and values need to be shared with those outside the field so we all have the chance to age gracefully. Oprah does have the power to bring his values to everyone. So Oprah, we are all aging, do really want age as your parents or grandparents did. Or do you want to keep on living! Give us the hope for change!!!

[rrotterman]

Oprah; Please help us stop the plagues of loneliness, boredom and helplessing in our nursing homes that create death of the human spirit and eventually the human condition. Help us get the message out that IT CAN BE DIFFERENT! Assist us in changing regulation, education and funding toward providing quality care in a loving, caring environment. We will all face aging, but all should have access to doing so gracefully and with dignity and love.

[TheSongsofhope]

Oprah, I am a nursing home volunteer and love to see how our elders "come to life" when they sing with me. Many can sing all the verses to Amazing Grace even in the midst of profound confusion. They "get it" when someone cares. Dr. Thomas cares and is busy showing others who care how to bring loving interaction into stressed out nursing home environments and make a huge difference. Please allow him to share his vision of a better world not just for our elders, but for all of us.

[MrJoeboy123]

Oprah, please any of Dr. Thomas' books on the subject and you too will have an empowered vision of the change needed in our current Eldercare philosphy.

[tandkbrenner]

Bill Thomas is a star. Oprah loves stars. What's the problem? We do not have a TV. Guess we have to get our information the old fashioned way. Living. There are people who watch Oprah and love her. What's not to love? If Dr. Bill needs you, let him in Oprah. You are a spiritual angel and so is he. Yes we can, and yes we will. Peace y'all!

[lisalmarks]

I have worked in traditional nursing homes since 1997, and have had the privelage of working in an eden alternative community for the past 5 years.  It has changed my life and it is unbeleivable how we have changed the lives of our elders that we serve. Oprah you need to take a look into this growing population and how we ahve evovled with culture change because of Dr. Thomas.

[neenee0949]

Yes! Go Dr. Bill! I'm 59, I've been young, and I'm getting older every day! As a matter of fact, all "young people" will be old people one day, if they live long enough! So this is a message for everyone! I hope Dr. Bill becomes Oprah's new Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz, because our country needs a real education on the topic of aging!!!!!

[syzygy2539]

C'mon, Oprah. You know you are the best person to motivate the doers, the shakers and all the rest of us into adopting these principles and putting them into ACTION.

[MrJoeboy123]

Oprah, Aging with dignity is not the norm for many Elders. Dr. Thomas has the right message to facilitate culture change in long term care worldwide.

[saharsh46]

There will be 70 million people with more than 65 years of life experience in the U.S. by 2030. What to do with us is both a challenge and a marvelous opportunity to harvest unbelievable wisdom and life experience to make our a world a more just and peaceful place. All of us need to hear what Dr. Thomas has to say, NOW, and there's no better forum than you Oprah. Please, don't miss this wonderful opportunity.

[tiredofcounting]

I believe everyone should look at the neighbors that we care for as people with knowledge and stop looking at them as they are at a nursing home to die. They have so much knowledge and love to share. I think the world shoud know that we are no longer going to accept inproper care for our neighbors(elders).

[alw1918]

Oprah: Please open the door and share the message as stated by Dr. Thomas. This is a topic that is neglected by mainstream media and is therefore a wonderful opportunity for you to bring about new information and thinking on the subject of elder care in the U.S..

[mdtoo]

Oprah - Dr. Thomas is engaging, witty, personable and dynamic....but most of all he is spot-on on his ideas and concerns about helping our elders. You viewers will get more out of 12 minutes with Dr. Thomas than from any three books that they could read. I have seen him live three times, and can say with all honesty that he is the real deal.

[MrKbusby]

I am a clinical nurse specialist and work with elders that live in a "nursing home" in Greer SC every day. The message Dr Thomas has is essential to improving quality of life in a geriatric population. I encourage anyone that is impacted by this population (that means EVERYONE as we all age) to learn of this movement of culture change.

[deljudy]

Our mother lived at The Greenhouse at Calvary, Columbus, GA so, we have first hand knowledge of how great this program is. At this difficult time in her life, and ours, she was "At Home" and not " In a Nursing Home" atmosphere. Oprah, please allow this message to be heard by everyone so all elders may experience the dignity and love our mother felt in their final days. Thank you, Judy Myers, Columbus GA

[TheSamuraiMusashi]

I've been inspired by Dr. Thomas and the pilosophy of the Eden Alternative. Eden has changed lives of elders and care givers not only in the U.S. but also in Japan!

[tdanton712]

Amen Dr. Thomas! We need to get the positive word out about what we are doing in senior care.

[jennls85]

I don't watch Oprah anymore for obvious reasons; however I would watch if she did a show regarding this subject. I work with geriatrics and my parents are reaching the age where they will need assistance with long term care. This is a very important subject.

[Frostychica123]

Oprah, Please create a show about elder care.  Our seniors deserve better than what most are getting. This demands national attention.

[surelygirl]

I love the fact that Dr. Thomas's ideas could reach a mainstream audience! I know that Oprah knows that our elders should be treated with respect. She often features influential elders in her magazine. I look forward to hearing that this subject is a priority.

[dairberner]

This refined approach to care for elders is something that everyone should see and encourage. Bringing it to your audience would be a great gift to elders who deserve to live out their remaining days in comfort and a homelike environment, rather than warehoused in institutions. Please help get this story out into the public's view.

[SweetestGale]

This way of life and care taking is essential. It takes away the feeling that elderhood is a disease and brings it to the position it needs to occupy, a stage in life that is a natural progression. One that brings warmth and caring to people blessed enough to be in facilities that function by these imperatives.

[MrJoeboy123]

Oprah, this man is incredable, his message is life changing.

[elaineneil4940]

Oprah-Please put this man on your show! I have heard him speak on numerous occasions and saw immediately his genuine passion for the benefit of older persons and the respect we must give them. He offers great humor and tangible solutions to the challenges connected to elders. His passion for getting the message out is infectious, his storytelling ability is delight, his diplomacy in dealing with the barriers an inspiration. Put him on your show. Your audience will love him !!!!

[cohn6432]

Come on, Oprah! What this guy has to say is more important than free chicken dinners....

[janegilman]

As a nurse I have dedicated my career to the care of frail elders. When I discovered the Eden Alternative 10 years ago, I realized the paradigm shift this grassroots movement could make in my work. I have found the Eden principles a true alternative for caring as opposed to the traditional, institutional medical models of senior care that dominate our culture. The Eden Alternative and Dr. Bill Thomas are among our nation's hidden treasures!

[linste2]

I am privledged to work in a Nursing Home where the people who live and work there are sharing life's experience through the Eden Alternative philosophy which Dr. Thomas originated. Our experience has taught us that people flourish and creativity flows in an environment filled with love compassion, dignity, and respect; an environment where relationships matter and the Elders and direct care staff are empowered to make decisions according to their needs and desires. THIS WORKS!!! LC

[shwilliams53]

My parent is a resident at a Green House facility specifically designed for the care elderly people with Alzheimer's desease. What a wonderful place for her to receive the compassionate care that she deserves. Keep spreading the word!

[ruez7]

I am the Director of Social Services, Care Coordinator, Clinical Educator for a 103 bed nursing home in Wyoming. We are working on implementing Dr. Bill's vision "Eden Alternative" in our home. Our elders LOVE this, they are empowered, rejuvinated, and overall have a better life! Dr. Bill is right on the money with this!!! I have 103 elders that will testify to this!!!!!

[bigredlady1]

I believe in this model for our elders! It's what they deserve.

[TheNancyb]

amen.

[smellonball]

As a care giver for my parents for 10 years, I know if was not for me, they would have been in a awful facility because they were poor. Having no children, my husband I worry what might happen to us and hope that there are dramatic changes in this system and present us with better alternative.

[cclements729]

Many of us would not be the productive adults we are if not for the wisdom, information and sharing of our elders. To preserve that asset, our seniors need the stimulation, autonomy, and support to continue to benefit our society. It should be viewed as, not only our duty, but our gift to them for everything they have contributed to our lives.

[pfpressel]

This is such a great idea. As a business owner who caters to a senior and boomer population and an aging woman myself, I see the response first hand. I am involved with a local organization that is dedicated to keeping seniors in their home through developing relationships with neighbors. Aging in place is a new trend and becomes even more important as the housing market declines. If seniors can't sell, they need help to stay home. Washington Park Cares does that.

Pam Pressel

[Candria67]

So lets get the word out and change Nursing home for the better, take the time, time to sit, time to listen, and time to share. share your love and take the love they offer. candria

[Candria67]

This is what a Green House is it for them to grow. They are not none sharing their lives with other to sit in a corner and not do any thing, but to still give which means so much to them to me. I learn so much from them as they learn new things from me. We have elders learning how to use a computer at the age of 88, making videos to send to theor familys. How cool is that! They want to feel part of life, If its just them listening to us and helping with a problem. They want to be involved.

[Candria67]

I work at one of the first Green house homes in Michigan. We need to change how elders live their last days of life. They are still impotain, they still have so much to give. They make a differance in my life and the life of my childern , husband , sisers, and my dad. They elders I care for care for me as much as I care for them. We need more careing people who really want to give more of their self to protecting, nurturing and substaning of life. That is why we are called Shabzim.

[TheWambam09]

i believe that this is something wonderful that should be shared with the world. by being on oprah the world would get the chance to be enlightened just as i was

[pattypoo52]

We are builiding the Green Houses in Magnolia, Arkansas. What a dream come true. Oprha , yourTV viewers need to see this! Please!

[mfaulkner13]

Oprah, Dr. Thomas is a visionary for the elderly. His Green House concept is truly a gift to the aged and frail.

[sharonpurple]

It is about time that we do not look at nursing homes as places to die. They are the beginning of a new era in our lives and can be the best we have had. The Eden Alternative is right on.

[trogersal]

OPRAH - Dr. Thomas is the Dr. Oz for frail elders. Please give him an opportunity, you will not be disappointed.

[tinabopps1]

Oprah please help our elders.

[jray0128]

Participating in long term care culture change has not only changed the organziation where I work, it has changed our community and even my family. Dr. Thomas speaks to the heart of what we all believe.

[Jimmy700155]

Bill Thomas has a message which resonates well in the community. There are so many examples of healthy aging. Come and experience the phenomenon of "Senior Friendship Center" in Sarasota, FL, , a place for social, intellecttual interaction, as well as for healthcare.

[bunurse]

I can't believe Dr. Thomas hasn't recieved more exposure by national media for this obviously worthy cause which, barring catastrophe (or maybe due to), will affect every person in the world at some point in the near future. The elder movement, particularly the Eden Alternative, is poised to explode onto the international consiciousness and will offer serious exposure to any media entity astute enough to give it forum.

[Deathfanmrw]

I would watch Oprah if she were to have guests such as Dr Thomas. I am exhausted by the importance she place on youth. Aging is part of life and it needs to addressed openly, honestly and truthfully. If you haven't looked in the mirror today Oprah -- you are a day older just as I am and you can't escape it by focusing on youth ... embracing it with dignity goes a mighty long way.

[KayD1010]

I would love to see Dr. Thomas on Oprah. I'm tired of her devotion tio the cult of yourth. Bottom line: we're all aging and he has a wionderful vision that needs to be shared with the world.

[ssuwalski]

Oprah, elders in our society are a forgotten population. Dr. Thomas' books are an absolute inspiration. There is such a need to change our current system, and as a baby boomer, I would like to see the system change BEFORE I need it! Please help Dr. Thomas, and other pioneers in this field educate your viewers on the changes that are possible to eliminate the three plagues that afflict our elders - lonliness, boredom and helplessness.

[jamesmandjills]

What Dr. Thomas speaks of is what Elder care should be in this day and age. He has spent a lot of time in Hawaii observing and seeing how people care for their Elders. There is no other culture in this nation that engulfs caring for Elders because of who they are and what they can pass on to future generations. It is a message that will change an entire society and how people define aging, and how we can all feel good about old age and therefore improve our quality of life and live longer.

[trinachandler]

Please give Dr. Bill Thomas the opportunity to be a guest on your show. He has incredible wisdom and insight into aging and the value of our Elders. I am proud to be a part of the only GreenHouse project in Alabama. It will be worth your time.

[blissc077]

Oprah - Put Dr. Bill Thomas on your show... It will change many, many lives!

[blissc077]

She has a sense of purpose and meaning and gives back to our community as all of our elders do in their own unique way. Eden is a life style and teaches us that our elders should not be discarded, but held in the highest esteem, as they can all teach us something about life and living it to the fullest. I encourage you to visit an Eden certified facility. You will feel the difference the minute you walk in the door. You will feel and see- Love, warmth, compassion and most of all LIFE!

[blissc077]

One of our elders said to us recently that she thought when she came to our community, she came to die because it was a "nursing home". She now says that she knows she came to live and that we are helping her live her life to the fullest every day.

[blissc077]

What a monumental difference this philosophy makes in the lives of the elders, their family and our staff in the community of Settlers Ridge in Texas. Our elders lives are enriched by this philosophy of eliminating boredom, helplessness and loneliness.

[SQUEAK6007]

Would love to see Dr. Thomas on OPRAH! His ideas are truly visionary & so needed in our society.

[SQUEAK6007]

would LOVE to see Dr. Thomas on OPRAH!!!!! i would tell everyone i know to watch - he's awesome! his ideas are truly visionary!

[elainemuff]

I've just recently become aware of Dr. Thomas and the Eden Alternative. It is an amazing and incredibly healthy vision of elderhood and living in to that as a community. I am a hospital chaplain and coordinate a program that helps elders to remain independent. Please support Dr. Thomas and his vision.

[voncile1]

Dr. Thomas' vision of aging as a time of continued growth &thriving can be a reality for our elderly now & for those who will attain that status at a later date. Look at the Eden Alternative sites or Green Houses. Others need to know what is being done, what can be done & what still needs to be done. Oprah can help to further the message & I hope my dissertation (when published) wil also make a mark. We all can do our part.

[lindahill54]

I truly believe that Dr. Bill Thomas is a true advocate for the elderly . Please allow him to reach so many through Oprah. The culture change will be great for all elders. I work for a company that is taking a Eden Journey, it is so much better for the elders all over the nation. He can reach more people through your network. Please listen to what Eden is all about .

[lindahill54]

I truly believe that Bill Thomas is a advocate in a special way for Elders and neighbors. I work for a company that truly believes in the Eden Alternative . The feeling you have for the elders has to come from the heart. I started in this business of taking care of the elders as a Certified nursing assistant , then to a registered nurse, I love what I do for mankind, I have the utmost respect for the elders, Please listen to what Dr. Bill Thomas has to say on the Oprah network .

[AnnaOrtigara]

Bill Thomas is an amazing innovator of a new way to reconceptualize nursing homes. He is compelling and innovative. His work is transforming the future of eldercare!!

[Oorahtrogger13]

I'm 13 and one of the first Eden Apprentice graduates. Elders have a lot to give and share. They make great mentors & know history first hand. They deserve to be treated with respect and to have lives worth living. My Elder friend during my training was Mrs. C. We met, shared stories and became friends over this past year She lives in OH. I live in VA. We email each other and she gives me advice. I'm a lucky kid to know her. Come on Oprah, let other kids know about this. It's important. Ryan

[lilsurfer56]

lilsurfer 50

Ophrah, please give Bill Thomas a chance for the sake of our elders who have worked so hard for the sake of the younger generations. I would encourage everyone I know to watch. This is on top of all the people who are so much interested to see Dr. Bill Thomas & be encouraged & motivated in the quality care of all elderly people.

[610froggy]

Oprah, I would implore you to have Bill Thomas on your show. I believe he embodies everything you try to represent on your show. Bill's, Eden Alternative, is the biggest thing that has happened to long term care in 20 years. Our nation's elders deserve what he has taught us all, and that is to embrace elderhood, create relationships and enjoy what life has to offer. I would call him the Ekhart Tolle of the Long Term Care Industry.

[ginny038]

Oprah, please do your homework and draw your own conclusions. You will be glad you did. Come on give him a chance to make a believer out of you.

[fred1866]

I too, have emailed Oprah about the Eden Alternative and the Green House Concept. I have spent my life caring for and about elders. I have worked in long term care for over 30 years. So much importance is placed on youth in our society, while many of our elders are discarded. Elders need to be aknowledged and honored. There is a better way. They need a voice, Oprah's is heard around the world. Dr. Thomas has planted the seed. Help him water it and let's all watch it grow, Oprah. M D. Thacker

[lesajane]

I have worked in Long Term Care from working as a nursing assistant, to an RN, to now working on my Nurse Practitioner. I completely agree with Dr.Bill Thomas's philosphy- I have seen it in action! The Elders/ Baby Boomer's are getting older- there is a better way! There is a better way as Dr. Thomas has been advocating! Oprah give him a chance!

[dslaten1]

Dr Thomas is an authority in this field! This message he is attempting to convey is one that could change the actions of our youth in understanding that the future is an opportunity not a burden!

[Carlc4]

This man really knows and is doing something about the plight of our elderly. I have heard him speak and he really makes you feel good about getting older.

[septembermary]

Great message - Oprah, how about honoring elders?

[cmilenski]

Dr. Bill Thomas has a message about our elders that Oprah Winfrey's audience can relate to because most of us are facing caring for our parents as they become less independent. I have been involved with the Eden Alternative for over 11 years and I have been working in eldercare for over 24 years. Dr. Thomas' message is powerful to address the issues of aging and care for our elders. This is especially relevant as the national debate accelerates on how to reform our health care system.

[broadwaypoetess]

I would love it if Dr. Thomas could be on Oprah. It would do so much for the Eden Alternative.

[iluvmyminime3]

I have emailed Oprah in the past to ask her to take up the important topic of aging and elders in America. Oprah Dr. Thomas himself will tell you that there are more elder care facilities in this country than McDonalds restaurants! The folks 85 and older are the fastest growing poulation in America and the baby boomers are just beginning to age. We can be different ...we can do it better. I am the adminiatrator of a fantastic community build on these principles of which Bill speaks.

[karla4266]

I have known of Dr. Thomas and the Eden concept for awhile and just wish that the nursing home I have a loved one in would see this show and institute this alternative concept. My best friend works in a nursing home and she is a believer and advocate since she started this years ago and teaches others how helpful it is for our elders. Please help him get this out to more caregivers.

[Bradfield805]

Someone that need to be heard!!!!

[4545abcdg]

I was very impressed with this video about elder care. We are elders or will be at somme point. I'm not sure people really know how hard it is for us elder's. I lost my husband on 4/18 and I cared for him for several years. It's a full time job and very heartbreaking. Thank you for all you do and I know you will think this over and hope you will have him on your show as well as some caregivers.

Thank you,Donna Johnson-Smith

[kalidalouise]

Oprah, please respond to this appeal as a birthday present to my mother. She would have been 91 today.

The world need to be exposed to Dr. Bill Thomas' message. You can make that happen.

[kalidalouise]

Oprah, please listen to this appeal. It is on behalf of millions of us. Kudos to Dr. Bill Thomas for bring it to your attention.

[ThomasDowney]

Great message Dr. Bill. Thanks for taking the time to watch Oprah.

[txlala291]

The Eden Alternative concept pioneered by Dr Bill Thomas is alive and well in Celina, TX. I wish more elders could live in Eden care facilities - there is warmth, love, caring and LIFE in abundance for them. Please Oprah, listen to what Dr Thomas has to say. You could make so many people aware, and facilitate culture change for our elders nationwide. Thank you so much for all that you continue to do for the universe!

[rmyracle7]

Oprah, I have worked in Eldercare professionally for over 10 years now. I have seen many changes in that short time, but Dr. Thomas is a pioneer for change in the world of Eldercare. Things can be different for our Elders and those that care for them. I have seen lives transformed because of his wisdom. Please take the time to listen to him. Think of an Elder in your own life who has brought meaning and change. Listen to Dr. Thomas for them; you won't regret it. Thanks Oprah!!!

[adepaulo38]

Oprah, let's see and listen to Dr. Thomas; we need to hear what he has to say. It's only a matter of time before he hits the morning shows, you might as well be the first. Your audience is dealing with elder care whether we talk about it or not. If they hear it from you, elders will have a chance to be treated as they deserve, with kindness, compassion and truth. Let's learn from Dr. Thomas how elders can actually LIVE a quality life to the end.

[just4bogus]

Amen! Things CAN and MUST change. We can do this, we can spread this message. (Oprah please help!) It is the least we can do for those who have given us all so much. We owe them an alternative!

[vbanne]

Dr. Thomas has ideas about elder care that need a wider audience. You can make that happen Oprah! I have known of his work for many years as my daughter works in elder care and spends a lot of her time helping caregivers and elders add meaning and joy to their lives.

[danajohnson0920]

As a volunteer for an Eden living community in a small town in Colorado, and as part of the Boys & Girls Club of America, I feel that it is imperative to show these residents the same respect and great quality of life that they have shown to us over the years. We are teaching our kids the value of good quality of life and how to care for others. The kids are our future, and we need to teach them now that it is necessary to improve and respect the lives of others whenever possible!

[bkh3296]

Inspiring. This message needs to be spread far and wide. Thanks Dr Thomas!!

[robertloydful]

Oprah, June 2004 I was involved in a head on collission with a 18 wheeler and found myself out of work and thrust in a care partnering relationship with my aging parents. My father was bedridden with demensia and a feeding tube. The pressure and stress are unimaginable. I attended a caregiving course for people in my situation offered by AARP called eden at home. I can not tell you how much this helped my parents and myself. I'm now a volunteer trainer for eden at home. The program really helps

[kat9152]

We need to hear Dr Bill Thomas and we need to LISTEN...after all we are all headed in that direction and when I am an elder needing care I want an Eden lifestyle not the current medical model nursing home. Our elders should be honored as cultures used to do and not just put somewhere "safe". I have been a caregiver for over twenty years and Eden is a breath of fresh air! People need the opportunity to hear what he has to say and Oprah has alway been the one to open doors-open this one please

[knygard]

Dr Thomas is a world leader in changing the face of care for our frail elders. He has raised the bar from institutional care (Institution as in Irving Goffman's seminal book, "Asylums") to true home care. He is the leading thinker in the coming revolution in how we take care of our wisdom-keepers. I urge you to have a conversation with him; go hear him speak.

[BrittWelch]

Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin, NY is in the process of developing a Greenhouse community for nursing home residents. We have worked with Dr Thomas. His model for elder care is the future for elders not only in the U.S., but around the world. Many states are urging their communities to build Greenhouses instead of the traditional nursing home model. (Greenhouses do not mean environmentally green, altho they could be.)

Jan

[Linnyshoo]

Oprah, Dr. Thomas recognized that elders in his care were not dying of their diseases, but of loneliness, helplessness and boredom. His pills could not cure those three plagues found in Long Term Care. He teaches us that all people need to give as well as receive care. We all need to have purpose and spontaneity in our lives. An Eden home is a great place to be, but there are just not enough people who are aware of this. Please invite Dr. Thomas to share his message with your audience. THX

[ccosenzo]

I love Oprah and I love Dr. Thomas, they are a match made in heaven. They both care deeply about the quality of life for all people in our world, and they have committed their lives to helping the rest of us see what is possible.

Oprah, if you haven't already done so, read Dr. Thomas' book "Learning from Hannah - Secrets for a Life Worth Living" and you will know why his message needs to be on your show ... over and over again.

Thank you!

[mrutter0]

In paperback his book that contains the Learning from Hannah parable is called "In the Arms of Elders."

[swissuser01]

Working as a nursing director in Zurich/Switzerland for the past 13 years I have come across the Eden Alternative in 2002 and we have made a great culture change in our facilitx since then. I'm grateful for that and I do hope that this idea will make its way more and more around the globe (it already has begun...)

[EdenAlternative]

It is time to honor our grandparents and put Elders back in their rightful place in our society. Bill Thomas is the right person to spread the message to others.

[elphabakris]

Amen!!

[luckymother12squared]

Often watching Oprah, the thought has crossed my mind, in addition to the pertinent and useful issues included, there's also a need for additional issues, regarding caregiving, grandparenting, aging in place, etc. So this was a timely video, (which could use some jazzing up, don't you think?)

[kristinronae]

I work in one of the many nursing homes that was changed by Dr. Thomas. Our facility follows his Eden Alternative Philosophy. I truely don't think I would be working where I am at right now if our facility wasn't a part of Eden. Like he says Nursing homes are not just places to go and die but places to LIVE! Please be a world maker like all of Bill's Edenized Nursing Homes- Let him share his story and I promise it will change the way everyone thinks about Long Term Care Facilities in the future

[concernedaboutaging]

I am aging. You are aging. Your friends are aging. Even Oprah is aging! Time passes quickly. It won't be but a "wink of an eye" before all of us reading this blog will be in the later chapters of our lives. What will it be like? Our generation can shape a better aging for ourselves by changing the way we view aging in our culture. Worldwide people are doing amazing things to improve the lives of elders. Highlighting these efforts will be an inspiration to others to take up this cause.

[jodybee77]

Dr. Thomas is leading the way back to a thinking we have steered to far from. We need to care for our elders, respect & honor them. They are our living past, our history, our families, our country! Dr. Thomas is creating a path for us to all follow when it comes to caring for our elders. I would love to see him on your show & watch him make a difference! What a world it would be if we viewed our elders in a different light! This will impact so many in a positive way! I will keep hoping!

[dougneff]

Oprah, your show has always been about possibilities. I've never met anyone who embodies human possibility more than Bill Thomas. He's done incredible things for the future of Elder Care, and he's one of the top thinkers of our day.

Please give America the chance to experience his important message.

[kalidalouise]

This is a message the world needs to hear! More people need to talk about eldercare.

Oprah, you talk about subjects other don't see. Please talk about elders---they mean so much to our society.

[CassHoll]

Bill Thomas is one of the top advocates for the aging population--both in helping them live healthfully as well as joyfully and in control of their lives, through his writings and the Eden Alternative--a new way for elders to live in a caring place"-- elders make choices, participate, have pets--it's their home. I hope that Oprah will open the world to this new concept of aging! Nothing is more important now when the baby boomers' numbers are increasing by the thousands daily

[zvbjhhc]

Oprah has the ability to help repair the world! The disconnect between the generations is a tragic loss for all. The Elders have so much to offer us. Let's start re-harvesting their wisdom and love and pass it on to future generations!

[karenhellerkey]

Bill Thomas has changed the lives of untold numbers of Elders through his work - he is a pioneer. I want to grow old in the kind of community Bill knows how to create. He would be an incredible guest, and his message is urgent - and hopeful, and inspiring.

[mark6154]

Oprah's career has been about making profound change happen. She couldn't have a greater opportunity to be recognized as a change agent than to support a series of shows devoted to Dr. Bill Thomas and culture change!

[robsgoals]

There are few better platforms for Dr. Bill.

Oprah will have no better guest this year.

Can we not make this happen soon?