by Michelle Husband, Executive Assistant of Performance Services
Mosaic is always working to improve the quality of its services. The opinions of the family members of people Mosaic supports are a valuable assessment tool in the pursuit of quality. To understand what family members feel are the most important aspects of Mosaic's services, family focus groups were held at several Mosaic locations. Based on the results of the focus groups, a new family/guardian survey was completed this past spring. The survey asked whether Mosaic met its objectives to provide high quality services, to advocate for all people, and to give individuals independence and opportunities for personal growth.
Te results of the survey showed that overall, family members are highly satisfied with Mosaic's services. The survey results were similar to the opinions voiced during the focus groups.
One mother said, "We (staff and I) talk. They give me a ‘heads up' and I feel like I'm always in the loop." The survey confirmed that family members feel they have open communication with Mosaic staff. More than three-quarters of family members reported talking with staff members at least monthly, many as frequently as several times a week. Respondents also reported feeling highly comfortable approaching staff and feel a high level of freedom to visit their family member Mosaic supports.
"Mosaic is top! My son is challenging and I don't have to worry about him when he is there." This parent's statement was also confirmed by the survey as family members reported that Mosaic provides high quality services and encourages clients to be independent. More than 9o percent of respondents agreed that their family member is supported to independently maintain personal hygiene and that Mosaic staff strive to know their family member on a personal level.
Family members also believed that Mosaic advocates for all individuals and encourages personal growth. Most respondents strongly agreed that their family member has opportunities to attend social events such as parties, to eat out, and to go to the movies. Additionally, family members were impressed with Mosaic's individualized services. An overwhelming 97percent agreed that their family member's individualized plan was based on his or her personal strengths and needs.
Mosaic is committed to making informed decisions about our services. The family survey is a good assessment tool but does not stand alone. The results are viewed alongside other assessments, such as the Personal Outcome Measures®, to compare outcomes across services and ensure that Mosaic is meeting the needs of all the people we support.
