Transition to a new home

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(From left) Direct Support Associate LeAnna Calloway with Melanie Johnson and Deb Ruda.
Melanie Johnson happy in new home at Mosaic

For 23 years, Deb Ruda of Fremont was separated by miles and time from her daughter, Melanie Johnson, who was a resident at the Beatrice State Developmental Center. Now, with her daughter living in Mosaic housing that is just a few minutes away, Ruda could not be more pleased.

"I see her everyday," Ruda said. "I can see what she does every day. I feel like I am a lot more involved in her life."

Johnson is fed with a g-tube, breathes through a trach opening, and is prone to seizures. She is never home alone, however, and always has staff attending to her needs. Her overnight staff member wakes her every two hours to reposition her in bed to avoid sores. Her health is monitored closely and Ruda appreciates that she is able to go along to doctor visits and is actively involved in her daughter's healthcare.

At her Mosaic home, Johnson has her own room that is decorated with personal photos and knick-knacks. When she first arrived, she was able to pick the room paint color and go shopping with her mother and staff to pick furniture.

"I like the living quarters," Ruda said. "She seems so happy and she is always clean."

Ruda makes it a habit to drop in unannounced at her daughter's home, or at the Mosaic day center where Johnson spends several hours each weekday. Johnson arrives at the day center around 8:30 each day. Throughout the day between activities, Johnson is helped out of the powered wheelchair she uses at least every two hours to lie down.

"Everybody is personable and helpful," Ruda said. "I just feel the freedom--it is like a weight has been lifted. I feel so comfortable."

Ruda said she feels her daughter is safe. She is also happy that for the first time since her daughter was 5 years old, she can visit her mother's home and spends time with siblings and nieces and nephews.

"Mosaic has been up and beyond any expectations I have,"Ruda said. "It's been a great thing for us and for Melanie."