There's a growing need for senior care for people with developmental disabilities. Some 4.7 million people in the U.S. have mild to severe intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome — 2.8 million of whom live with family, according to a 2008 "State of the States in Developmental Disabilities" report by David Braddock at the University of Colorado.

Gwen Palmer (right), who lives in a Mosaic group home in Des Moines, Iowa, looks at a photo album with staff member Donna Miller. In recent years, Palmer, who "used to never go out," has become more outgoing, even hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, Miller said, amazing "everyone, including her parents, with what she's accomplished, even as she's gotten older."

By 2030, more than 1.2 million will be 60 or older, according to Mosaic, an ELCA-affiliated social service provider. Based in Omaha, Neb., Mosaic provides group homes, day programming and other care for people with developmental disabilities in 13 states.

Already, 25 percent (900) of the people Mosaic serves are 50 or older; 7 percent (300) are 65 or older, said Anne Starr, Mosaic's vice president of operations. They experience many of the same health and medical issues as other seniors but often need more monitoring, she added.

Mosaic staff try to create settings "where people can play cards, put together puzzles, play modified bowling or watch their favorite TV shows with other seniors," Starr said. To fit needs, Mosaic adapts staff patterns and skills, she said. Staff, she added, ask participants and their families such questions as: "What do you want in your life? What are you hoping for your loved one?"

Nurturing purpose

Staff began taking Mary (last names of some residents withheld) to visit her mom twice a week when the now 94-year-old couldn't visit her daughter at the group home, said Donna Miller, who helps provide 24-hour support for four group homes in Des Moines, Iowa. "Mary's mom says it's nice when she comes to visit but even nicer that she's happy going back home," Miller said.

Part of that happiness is having a sense of purpose. "Mary volunteers at a day care once or twice a month, taking the kids treats and spending time with them," Miller said.

"People with intellectual disabilities bring amazing purity and service," Starr said. "They have such a heart for giving."

It's important for seniors with intellectual disabilities to realize this. "It's part of social capital to feel you aren't just taking from your community," she said. "You're giving back and if you weren't there, someone would miss you."

Perhaps that's one reason Jesse, 92, a resident of a Mosaic group home in Bloomfield, Conn., loves volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Because she also loves train rides, staff are helping her plan a visit to Newport, R.I., with her best friend and roommate, Phyllis. Online, the two "saw pictures of the trip and picked hotels out," said Bud Sadlosky, group home manager.

Sadlosky also helped arrange a Florida trip for a man who loves fishing, and for Jean, the ultimate: a Tony Bennett concert. "I loved it," Jean said. "He [Bennett] was growing a moustache."

Staff also provide support at times of loss and grief. Harry Sells lost mobility and had to use a wheelchair. Since he was fascinated by police work, Miller arranged a visit to his hometown police department, where officers remembered him. "Since then they've had him come back to football games, and he's reconnected," she said. "He's finding ways to still live the life he loves."

When one Des Moines woman developed Alzheimer's in her last five years of life, she could no longer work her catering job and "saw her world shrink," said Carol Mau, executive director of Mosaic in Des Moines. "Our concern, and her mom's concern, was whether she could continue to live where she'd been happy, in her house with three other ladies."

Mosaic staff were able to adapt so the woman could remain in her house with 24-hour support.

A parent's passing is probably the most difficult hurdle, Miller said. Mosaic staff have helped participants plan memorials, create photo albums, connect with friends, remember to eat and take their medicine, and get grief counseling.

Former Mosaic chaplain Joyce Higgs-Spruth, 79, an associate in ministry, now volunteers at the agency's programs in Colorado Springs, Colo. Using John 14:2, she talks with other seniors about dying as moving to a new place. "We talk about how it's OK to go — they'll be safe and Jesus will be with them," she said. "We talk about God preparing many rooms and 'What kind of room do you think Jesus got ready for your friend?' "

A fitting question, particularly since Mosaic has room for people to live and grow.