The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) conducts annual Resident Quality of Life Surveys and Family Satisfaction Surveys in nursing facilities to collect opinions, feedback, and personal experiences that help guide improvements to aging and disability care across Minnesota. DHS has conducted the resident survey in nursing facilities since 2005 and the family survey since 2010. DHS requires all Medicaid-certified nursing facilities to participate in annual 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 nursing facilities between September 2024 and January 2025 to schedule interview dates and answer questions that the facilities, residents, and family members have. Nursing home resident interviews will take place October 2024 through January 2025 Family surveys will be mailed to residents' representatives from late October 2024 through March 2025.

Results

The State uses the surveys to give nursing homes star ratings of their resident quality of life and family satisfaction. For these ratings and other quality information, visit The Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card.

Questions?

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