Our History and the Eden Model

In 1987, Illinois established the Supportive Living Program (SLP) as an alternative to traditional nursing home care for seniors. In 2005, through the persistence and vision of the Eden team, Eden Supportive Living became the first supportive living community in the country created specifically for younger adults living with physical disabilities.

The goal was simple but important: to give individuals who might otherwise require nursing facility care the opportunity to live with greater independence, privacy, dignity, and personal choice, while still having access to the services and support they need.

Today, Eden continues to grow and expand into new communities and new states. While the Illinois Supportive Living Program is specific to Illinois and may not exist in other states, Eden’s mission is not limited by a particular state program.

As we all continue through life’s journey, our needs naturally evolve—and Eden has evolved with them. Building on decades of experience creating exceptional communities for adults with disabilities, Eden was called upon to bring that same philosophy of independence, dignity, choice, and community to senior living. Today, Eden provides exceptional senior housing designed to support residents as their needs change, while helping them continue to live full, active, and meaningful lives.

In states without a Supportive Living Program, Eden has created a similar model designed around the same population and the same fundamental principles—independence, choice, dignity, wellness, community, and access to supportive services. Each Eden community operates in accordance with the licensing and regulatory requirements of the state in which it is located, while remaining true to the model Eden was created to provide.

Depending on the community and applicable state regulations, services may include assistance with personal care, housekeeping and laundry, medication assistance, health and wellness programs, social and recreational activities, and staff available 24 hours a day to assist with scheduled and unscheduled needs.

At the heart of every Eden community is the belief that people living with disabilities should have the opportunity to live as independently as possible and participate in the decisions that affect their lives. Personal choice, dignity, privacy, individuality, health, and wellness remain central to everything we do.

As Eden continues to grow, our programs may adapt from state to state, but our mission does not.