By Diane Bruns, Steven’s sister

Steve with his sisters, Diane and Sharon

Steve was diagnosed as a toddler with an intellectual disability. He is non-verbal but communicates through basic sign language. Despite some new health challenges, Steven loves to spend time with his family and go to his day support program, drink coffee and Cokes, shuffle cards, and do puzzles.

Steve was five years old when our parents made the heart-breaking decision, along with input from their priest and family doctor, to move him to a state institution. Thankfully, as the years went by, community group homes became available. These living spaces in residential settings closely mirror a traditional family home. Over the years, our parents were able to have Steve home every other weekend and on summer vacations. More recently, my sister, Sharon, and I became co-guardians for our brother. While he no longer comes for overnight stays, he visits often for dinners and outings.

In 1997, Steve moved into NER’s Arcade home where he lived for 27 years, having been blessed with mostly the same roommates the entire time. Our family and Steve had looked to Arcade as his forever home. However, Steve is now 66 years old, and with age, his health has declined. This past year he was diagnosed with diabetes and was beginning to have more seizures and unsteadiness leading to multiple falls and the periodic use of a wheelchair.

In August, his Program Manager expressed concerns that Arcade was no longer the best fit for Steve in terms of his safety and wellbeing, as the people supported need to go up a short flight of stairs to access their bedrooms and bathrooms. Fortunately, there was an opening at another home within Hammer & NER the team believed would be a great fit for Steve. As his guardians, we toured the Highway 96 home a week later and came away hopeful and impressed with the staffing and layout of the home, which is all on one level. The staff includes overnight awake staff, and the team is trained in specialized cares including helping Steve manage his diabetes.

Steve with his sister, Sharon

The following week we took Steve to the home for a lovely dinner and tour. Steve seemed positive during the visit and when asked in the car if he would like to move here, it was an emphatic “no.” How could he possibly leave his residence and dear roommates of 27 years? We knew the change would be tough, but Steve’s health and wellbeing made the move a necessity and after multiple conversations, he accepted that it was a good thing. An intake meeting was scheduled for mid-September where it was decided the move-in date would happen just over one week later. This was a very challenging time for family and staff with so many decisions to be made about the physical move and the fear of the unknown and how Steve would adapt to the move and new environment. As it turns out, it worked seamlessly.

The bubble maker extraordinaire

We are pleased to report that Steve seems happy with his new living arrangements. This is due in no small part to the experienced staff who are never lacking when it comes to welcoming smiles and hugs. Steve is also able to continue attending his same day program that he loves. Thanks to generous supporters, there is an updated bathroom at the home which makes it easier for Steve to shower. New flooring is coming soon to further decrease fall risks. It is clear that Hammer & NER is focused on making the home improvements needed to help this truly be Steve’s forever home. (Steve is pictured at top with Highway 96’s Program Director, Rosemary Smith.)

We could not have asked for a better outcome and are so grateful to the supportive and incredible staff at the Arcade and Highway 96 homes.  Without them, this move would not have been possible. Throughout this process, we have learned what Hammer & NER is doing to make sure they have homes which can accommodate people as their needs change–whether they can stay in their longtime home or need to move to a different home in the Hammer & NER family. This work is not possible without the support of people like you. Thank you for making sure Steve has a good home as he ages.

To support the Home Improvement fund (or other Hammer & NER funds) you can click here: Year End Appeal 2024 – Hammer or mail a check to Hammer & NER, 1909 Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391. Thank you.