The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), partnered with MDR to conduct a statewide community needs assessment focused on vulnerable adults. The project aimed to identify service gaps, barriers to access, and unmet needs among older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. The assessment was funded in part by the Administration for Community Living and was designed to inform future policy and program development to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable populations. MDR collaborated with DHHS DAAS and a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement, victim advocates, healthcare providers, and aging and disability service organizations. 

MDR employed a rigorous mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through two online surveys: one targeting vulnerable adults (n=767) and another targeting stakeholders (n=182). Vulnerable adults were recruited using address-based sampling and online panels, while stakeholders were recruited via DHHS contact lists and newsletters. Qualitative data were gathered through two focus groups with vulnerable adults and 11 in-depth interviews with stakeholders conducted in July and August 2024. The surveys explored service access, unmet needs, barriers to reporting abuse, and awareness of available resources, while the qualitative components provided deeper insights into lived experiences and systemic challenges. 

MDR provided DHHS DAAS with a comprehensive final report, a results brief, and a detailed gap analysis. Deliverables included demographic breakdowns, survey instruments, recruitment materials, moderator guides, and consent forms. The findings supported actionable recommendations to improve service awareness, expand access to critical resources, and target outreach to underserved populations. MDR also recommended enhancing training for stakeholders on trauma-informed care and dementia support, and strengthening collaboration through Enhanced-Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs). 

This project stands out for its inclusive design, statewide reach, and integration of both service recipient and provider perspectives. It offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable adults in Utah and provides DHHS DAAS with a strategic foundation for improving service coordination, public awareness, and equitable access to support services statewide