In 2019 and 2020, DHS and the Minnesota Board on Aging developed new Resident Quality of Life Surveys and Family Satisfaction Surveys for assisted living communities. In 2024, facilities with an assisted living license through the Minnesota Department of Health and a capacity to serve five or more residents will be invited to participate in statewide data collection using these surveys.

Vital Research

DHS contracts with Vital Research, an independent survey firm, to conduct the surveys and ensure the confidentiality of all resident and family responses. Vital Research's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Training field staff
• Scheduling interviews
• Providing ongoing support
• Quality assurance monitoring

Vital Research works collaboratively with DHS throughout the entire length of the project.

Survey Schedules

Vital Research will reach out to all assisted living facilities that have a capacity to serve five or more people between January 2024 and December 2024 to schedule interview dates and answer questions that the facilities, residents, and family members have. Assisted living resident interviews will take place during the same 12-month time period. Family surveys will be simultaneously mailed to residents' representatives.

Results

Annual survey results will support star ratings which will be shared regularly throughout data collection on a public Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card website. Individual facility level reports will also be emailed to participating facilities.

Questions?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to commonly asked questions about the project.