Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card
In 2024, Minnesota launched the Assisted Living Report Card. Since that time, the information available to the public has been growing. The report card is a tool consumers use to compare the quality of residents and family satisfaction. Recently, the results of state inspections are available. It provides transparency for consumers and helps people make informed decisions about an assisted living residence. The Assisted Living Report Card is managed by Department of Human Services (DHS) and The Minnesota Board on Aging.
Star Ratings
Much like the Nursing Home Report Card, the Assisted Living Report Card provides a rating up to five stars based on quality measures. This includes resident satisfaction, family satisfaction, resident health, safety and staffing. The Minnesota state average for each metric is currently three stars.
Resident Quality of Life
This measure is based upon a survey of residents living within the facility. Quality of life surveys are typically done annually and are performed by an independent contractor.
Measures used for quality of resident life include:
- People who work here
- Physical environment
- Food
- Meaningful activities
- Resident choice and autonomy
- Religion and spirituality
- Safety and privacy
- Finances
Family Satisfaction
Family satisfaction surveys are also yearly. The surveys are completed by the primary family member of a person connected with a resident. An outside agency is responsible for surveying families. The metrics for family satisfaction include:
- Experience with care
- Choice and preferences
- Personal care needs
- Cost of care
- Housekeeping
- Meals
- Physical environment
- Staff care
Participation in the surveys is optional. The more people who chose to participate, the more accurate the results will be. Survey results give us a snapshot of the residents and families’ option of the facility.
State Licensing and Investigation Results
Every two years, the state of Minnesota inspects assisted living facilities for resident health, safety and staff qualifications. Inspections may also occur if there are reports of resident mistreatment. These reports can be made by anyone including the facility itself. When looking for a facility this information may not be available if a state inspection has not occurred within the last two years.
The state inspections include examination of health records, staffing records, employment practices, physical ground and many other areas of focus. When a facility has areas that need improvement they may be given what is called a tag or a violation. These inspections are public records. If you want a copy of the latest inspection of any assisted living, you can request a written copy from the executive director at the facility.
Making an Informed Decision
When it comes to choosing assisted living, it can feel overwhelming. The information in the report card will improve over time. And some options have more information than others. You can access the assisted living report card by visiting the website at: Home page – Assisted Living Report Card (mn.gov) It’s an easy tool to use.
If you would like personalized advice or want to learn more about assisted living in the Minneapolis or Saint Paul area, contact Choice Connections. Our advisors are experts and can provide much more information than you can find in this report card. Our knowledge of area assisted living communities will help you find what is right for you.