Rose House staff and residents enjoy Felicia’s company. She is lively and says unpredictable things that people find hilarious.
Felicia’s physical appearance reflects adulthood, while her cognitive and emotional development follows a different timeline, giving her a distinctive sense of openness and warmth. Despite her youthful demeanor, Felicia’s mother (also named Felicia) says that her daughter has “grown up a lot” since her move to Rose House in 2015.
At her previous group home, Felicia often stayed alone in her bedroom with minimal interaction with staff or other residents. Activities were rarely offered, staff seldom took her out of the home, and communication between the group home manager and Felicia’s parents was limited. On multiple occasions, items were even stolen from her bedroom.
Ever since Felicia moved to her Rose House forever home, she has had more opportunities than ever to go on day trips and have fun activities with housemates. Her parents are also happy with the improved communication with the program manager.
“Felicia is much more independent and loves being where she is now,” her mother explained. “She especially enjoys getting together with residents of Rose House’s other homes for Halloween, birthdays, and other occasions because she loves to mingle and dance.”
According to her mother, Felicia looks forward to visiting the library, where she always brings home a book and a movie. The book is often an adventure or a drama. The movie is usually a Harry Potter or Anne of Green Gables story. Felicia also enjoys watchingballets, especially The Nutcracker, as well as musicals.
Felicia enjoys staying active. She likes swimming and uses a stationary bicycle, activities that complement her healthy appetite.
“She loves to eat a variety of Italian food and steak as well,” her mother said. “As soon as she finishes breakfast, she’ll ask, ‘So, what’s for dinner?’ [Laughs]”
An animal lover, Felicia enjoys spending time with her parents’ dog and two cats when she visits them. She is also kind to other people, especially those with a visible disability. She has been known to walk up to a stranger in a wheelchair and say things like, “Are you OK?” or “Don’t worry, everything will be OK.”
Felicia’s mother noted that her daughter sometimes shifts unexpectedly between playful and more grown-up expressions of herself, a contrast that often surprises and delights those around her. As her mother explained: “She can act immature, but then say something like, ‘Oh, Mom, don’t be ridiculous.’ You never know what she’s going to say next.”
This innocent and entertaining trait has made Felicia one of the favorite residents among Rose House staff.