Frequently Asked Questions
Common Question About the Project
- A survey done to learn more about how to help aging adults receiving services in Minnesota.
- Interviewers speak with people to get feedback on the services and assistance they receive.
- To gather opinions and experiences of individuals who receive services through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
- Feedback will be used to continue making the services and supports more responsive to the needs of people who receive services and supports.
- The funding for this work comes from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services provided Vital Research with a list of people receiving assistance throughout the state.
- The interview takes about 45 minutes.
- Absolutely! The answers you provide will not be shared with any of the people who are responsible for your services or are paid to help you.
- Participation is voluntary - you can choose to take part, or you can say no. Your choice will not change the services you receive.
- You do not have to answer any questions if you do not want to.
- Only legal guardians can refuse on behalf of a person.
- Case managers and staff members cannot refuse on behalf of a person.
- If a person is unable to communicate in any way, a legal guardian, family member, or friend can answer some questions for them.
- The interview is designed for adults of all ages and people with varying abilities.
- Interviewers are given training on how to interview people with different abilities and ways of communicating.
- Interviewers learn about different communication styles and how to make people feel safe when talking with them.
- It is important to talk directly with the person who is receiving services.
- Opinions of families and staff are important, but they provide different perspectives.
- If the service recipient is unable or unwilling to respond, a proxy respondent may answer some of the questions on their behalf.
- The survey asks for your opinions about your quality of life and the services you receive (e.g., about your provider, living arrangement, direct care staff, choices of activities, employment, your health and safety).
- If some questions do not apply to you, they can be skipped.
- Because we are talking with a large number of people, the questions ask about things that are likely to apply to almost everyone.
- As a result, we may miss a part of your experience that you feel is very important.
- Please feel free to provide your comments. They will be passed on to the state confidentially.
- Absolutely not. Your responses are kept private and will not affect the services you receive in any way.
- Call the interviewer who contacted you or call the Vital Research Project Team at (888) 380-7881 (toll-free).
Common Question from Guardians
- Absolutely! All survey responses are kept private. No one at the state, county, or provider agencies will know how each person responds.
- All personal information about you and the person for whom you are the legal guardian to is kept private.
- Please go to the Documents page to view a copy of the documents provided by the state for more details.
- As the legal guardian, you may be present during the interview and assist in answering some of the questions if needed.
- If an individual is unable or unwilling to respond, the interviewer will switch to a "proxy" version of the survey, which allows the proxy to answer some questions on behalf of the individual.
- If you are unable to be present during the interview and would like another person to be present and serve as a proxy if needed, please inform the interviewer during scheduling.
- Interviewers are trained to conduct the interview with older adults and adults with disabilities. Communication or other assistance that you might provide during the meeting is appreciated and can also be shared with the interviewer during scheduling.