What is the National Core Indicators for Aging and Disabilities Survey?

  • A voluntary effort by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to measure and track their own performance.
  • Face-to-face surveys with older adults and individuals with physical disabilities.
  • The survey assesses the performance and outcomes of services provided to older adults and individuals with physical disabilities.

What is the purpose of the project?

  • To gather the opinions and experiences of individuals who receive services through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
  • Participant feedback will be used to continue making the services and supports more responsive to the needs of people who receive services and supports in the state of Missouri.

Who is funding this project?

  • The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

How did you get my name?

  • From the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).


    Do I have to participate?

    • No, participation is completely voluntary.
    • Your decision whether to participate will have no impact on the services you receive.

    How do you interview a participant with disabilities?

    • The survey is specially designed to obtain perceptions about experiences from people with varying abilities.
    • Interviewers are trained on how to interview persons with disabilities.
    • Some questions allow for proxy assistance if it is needed.

    Can anyone refuse to participate on behalf of the service recipient?

    • Only legal guardians may refuse on behalf of the service recipient.
    • Staff members cannot refuse on behalf of the service recipient (to avoid any potential conflict of interest).

    Why not let the families or staff answer for the service recipient?

    • 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 his/her behalf.

    What if I change my mind or need to change my interview date or time?

    • You can call the interviewer with whom you scheduled the appointment or Vital Research at 888-848-2555 (toll free). Please say you are calling from Missouri and ask to speak with Project Coordinator Casey Stone.

    Is this Survey confidential (private)??

    • 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.
    • Vital Research will protect your privacy by keeping all information confidential. Exception: If an interviewer sees or learns something of concern regarding your health or safety, they are required to let the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) Central Registry Unit (CRU) know so they can help you.

    How long will the interview take?

    • Usually about 30 to 45 minutes.

    What are you going to ask me about?

    • 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.

    Why aren’t you asking me about other things...?

    • 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.

    Will my answers affect the state services I receive now or may receive in the future?

    • Absolutely not.
    • Your responses are confidential and will not affect the services you receive in any way.