When Adam moved into his new home with MOKA, it wasn’t just a change of address—it was a pivotal moment in his life. After spending five months in a hospital, adjusting to a new environment was bound to be overwhelming. But thanks to careful planning and the dedication of MOKA team members, Adam’s transition became a story of empowerment, independence, and belonging.
Understanding that this move would be a significant adjustment, employees from MOKA’s Starwalk Home took intentional steps to make the transition as smooth as possible. One by one, staff members visited Adam in the hospital, introducing themselves and offering familiar faces before his move. They brought laminated photos of his future caregivers, his new home, and the van he would ride in—helping him visualize what was to come. These small but meaningful actions ensured that Adam wouldn’t feel lost in an unfamiliar environment, but rather, embraced and welcomed into a safe and supportive home.
On his first day at Starwalk, Adam was met with patience and understanding. Thanks to the staff’s visits to the hospital beforehand, he recognized familiar faces and felt a sense of comfort in his new home. Small moments of connection—like offering his favorite snacks and acknowledging his love for wearing headphones—helped reinforce that this was a place where he was known and valued. The team recognized his unique way of communicating through grunts and gestures and adapted to his needs. Rather than expecting Adam to immediately conform to a new routine, the focus was on making him feel safe, comfortable, and in control of his experience.
One of the biggest indicators of Adam’s growth has been his increased engagement in daily life. In the hospital, frequent snacks were used to keep him occupied, leading to weight gain. Since moving into his new home, Adam has naturally settled into a balanced diet with nutritious meals and structured routines—resulting in a 30-pound weight loss without restrictive measures. More importantly, he’s developed confidence in small but meaningful ways, like picking up his towels after a shower and assisting with household chores. These steps toward independence reflect his growing sense of belonging and ownership over his life.
The success of Adam’s transition to the home underscores the importance of relationship-building in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The team’s efforts to get to know Adam before he moved in were not just about logistics—they were about fostering trust and respect. By recognizing his preferences, communication style, and sources of comfort, they laid the groundwork for a supportive environment where he could thrive.
Beyond Adam’s own journey, his move to the home also highlighted the importance of considering the entire household. Starwalk employees openly communicated with other people living in the home, acknowledging that the initial weeks would require extra attention for Adam while reinforcing that everyone’s needs still mattered. This transparency helped create an inclusive atmosphere where each person felt valued and heard.
Adam’s story is a testament to what’s possible when care is centered around the individual. His journey didn’t just involve a physical move—it was a transition into a life of greater self-sufficiency, confidence, and connection.
Adam’s experience is not just a personal success—it’s a clear example of how person-centered approaches can lead to significant cost savings in the healthcare system. Extended hospital stays for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only expensive but often avoidable when the right supports are in place. By carefully planning Adam’s move into a supportive home, MOKA helped prevent unnecessary hospitalization, ensuring he could thrive in a setting that promotes both well-being and independence while reducing the strain on healthcare resources.
His success is a powerful reminder of why person-centered approaches must remain at the heart of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When people are met with understanding, thoughtful preparation, and the opportunity to make choices about their own lives, they aren’t just receiving care—they’re gaining the tools to shape their futures.
For providers, caregivers, and advocates alike, Adam’s experience offers a guiding principle: transitions aren’t just about placement, they’re about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a true sense of home.
