Northeast Nebraska
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Mosaic in Northeast Nebraska Mosaic in Northeast Nebraska provides services in Norfolk, Fremont and Columbus. Norfolk Fremont Columbus Former BSDC Resident Happy with Mosaic Services
"I thought that was the only place there was for her," Deb Ruda said of her daughter, Melanie Johnson, who had lived at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for more than 23 years. But now, after four months of living in Mosaic community-based housing in Fremont, Ruda could not be more pleased. "I can see what she does every day. I feel like I am a lot more involved in her life." Johnson's move from BSDC had been planned before the State of Nebraska moved medically fragile residents to area hospitals. Ruda said that because of her daughter's medical needs--Johnson is fed with a g-tube, breathes through a trach opening, and is prone to seizures--she was told that 24-hour nursing care was needed. At her Mosaic residence, Johnson health is monitored closely. At BSDC she shared a room with two others. She now has her own room decorated with personal photos and knick-knacks. The other woman who lives in the two-bedroom duplex has less serious medical needs. Johnson 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. "I like the living quarters," Ruda said. "She seems so happy and she is always clean." Johnson is non-verbal, but communicates to her staff and family through facial cues. Rhea Metschke, a Direct Support Associate who assists Johnson, has quickly become familiar with her likes and dislikes, and like other Mosaic staff, works hard to let Johnson make as many decisions about her day as is possible. Helping her make her own choices is part of the program Mosaic staff have developed for Johnson. For Instance, when Metschke is helping Johnson dress for the day, she'll hold up two different shirts. Johnson will make her choice known as to which she wishes to wear by a smile while the other shirt gets a frown. "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 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. Metschke is her one-on-one staff there. Throughout the day between activities, Johnson is helped out of the powered wheelchair she uses at least every two hours to lay down. "She loves going outside for a walk," Metschke said, adding that although Johnson is fed through a g-tube, she loves being in the lunchroom and interacting with the other clients. Ruda said she feels her daughter is safe. She is also excited that for the first time since her daughter was 5 years old, she can visit her mother's home as well and looks forward to holidays and other special times as a family. In addition to her mother, Johnson has siblings and nieces and nephews who live in Fremont. |  |
13th Annual Mosaic Golf ClassicSave-the-date for Mosaic's 13th Annual Golf Classic taking place on Friday, June 4, 2010. The event will include golfing, post-golf dinner, and goody bag. Pin and door prizes will be awarded. Contact us to be a sponsor or for more information.
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