Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card
If you watch the news or read the paper in Minneapolis or St Paul, you may have heard that Minnesota has a new way of reporting quality and satisfaction in assisted living. The report card gives people information on assisted living quality when looking for a facility. It provides transparency for consumers and helps people make informed decisions when picking an assisted living residence.
Today, the report gives people an opportunity to compare topics like quality-of-life resident interviews and family satisfaction. As the tool evolves, other information will also be available.
Star Ratings
Quality measures are rated on a five-star scale. Like a Google review, one star represents the lowest rating. A five-star review represents the highest rating. These ratings are evidence based and have been designed by researchers at the University of Minnesota. Input from multiple state agencies and community partners was also gathered.
The report card shows scores on key quality measures. These measures differ for resident and family satisfaction. Over 450 assisted living facilities are included in the report card. The report card is similar to Minnesota’s Nursing Home Report Card.
Currently, 20% of the state’s assisted living facilities have a rating.
Resident Quality of Life
Resident quality of life surveys occur annually in most facilities. Independent contractors hired by the state of Minnesota complete the surveys. Kersten Edelbrock, Executive Director at Amira Choice Minnetonka said, “The company was easy to work with and it gives our seniors a voice to be heard”. The contractor requests a current list of residents before completing the interviews.
Measures for resident quality 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 family survey measures:
- Experience with care
- Choice and preferences
- Personal care needs
- Cost of care
- Housekeeping
- Meals
- Physical environment
- Staff care
Choosing an Assisted Living
When it comes to choosing assisted living, the report card alone should not be the only information you rely on. Visiting the facility, talking with family, staff members, and a Certified Senior Advisor® who works for Choice Connections will help ensure you make an informed decision.
Over the next several years as the report card evolves, it will become a better tool.
You can access the assisted living report card by visiting the website at: Home page – Assisted Living Report Card (mn.gov)