A hospital stay often changes everything. A parent who was managing at home before a fall, surgery or illness may not be safe going straight back. When the discharge planner says your loved one needs more support, families usually have only a few days to decide what comes next. This guide walks through how to move from the hospital to assisted living in Minnesota, step by step.
Is assisted living the right next step?
Assisted living is a good fit when someone no longer needs round-the-clock skilled nursing, but does need daily help and someone nearby at all times. Common signs include:
- Needing help with bathing, dressing or getting to the bathroom
- Trouble keeping track of medications
- A recent fall, or a high risk of falling when alone
- Not eating regular meals at home
- Family caregivers who can no longer provide the level of help needed
If your loved one still needs daily therapy or skilled nursing, the hospital may recommend a transitional care unit (TCU) first. Many people move to assisted living after a short TCU stay.
Step 1: Talk with the discharge planner early
Every hospital has a care management or social work team that plans discharges. Ask to speak with them as soon as possible. Share what your loved one’s life looked like before the hospital, what you are worried about, and how care will be paid for. The earlier they know your situation, the more options they can help you find.
Step 2: Understand how care will be paid for
Most families use private pay, long-term care insurance, Minnesota Medical Assistance waivers, or a combination. Waivers such as the Elderly Waiver (EW) for people 65 and older, and CADI or BI for eligible adults under 65, can pay for care services in assisted living. Room and board is paid separately.
If your loved one may qualify for a waiver, ask the discharge planner or county about a MnCHOICES assessment. If they already have a waiver, contact their case manager or care coordinator right away. Learn more on our Minnesota waivers page and in our CADI waiver guide.
Step 3: Find homes with an opening now
Timing matters after a hospital stay. When you call assisted living homes, ask first whether they have a room available now, and whether they accept your payment source. A home that can tour you this week and move your loved one in soon can prevent a longer, more expensive stay somewhere else.
Step 4: Tour, and ask the right questions
- How many residents live here, and how many staff are on site day and night?
- What help is included: personal care, medications, meals, laundry?
- How do you coordinate with the hospital, doctors and case managers?
- What happens if care needs change?
- How soon can my loved one move in?
Our guide on how to choose the right assisted living community has more questions to bring.
Step 5: Plan move-in day
Before move-in, the home will need recent medical information, a current medication list and doctor’s orders, and contact details for family and any case manager. Bring familiar items from home, such as photos, a favorite blanket or a chair. Small comforts make a new room feel like home much faster.
Why a small home can help after a hospital stay
Recovery often goes better in a calm, quiet setting. In a small residential home, the same few caregivers see each resident throughout the day, notice changes early and get to know personal routines quickly. Read more about why size matters in senior care.
Assisted living in Burnsville with rooms available now
Twin Cities Living Assistance is a licensed assisted living home in Burnsville, Minnesota, about 7 minutes from M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital. We care for just five residents, with staff on site 24/7, help with personal care and medications, and three home-cooked meals and two snacks every day. We accept the Elderly Waiver, CADI, BI, CAC and DD waivers, as well as private pay, and we work directly with discharge planners and case managers.
We currently have private rooms available and can usually schedule a tour within the same week. Call (612) 964-2222 or contact us to talk through your loved one’s needs. Case managers can also make a referral online.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone move directly from the hospital to assisted living?
Yes, if they no longer need skilled nursing every day. Some people go to a transitional care unit first, then move to assisted living.
Who helps plan a hospital discharge?
The hospital’s care management or social work team plans discharges. If your loved one has a waiver, their case manager or care coordinator should be involved too.
How quickly can a move happen?
It depends on room availability, paperwork and payment approval. Homes with an opening and a fast tour process can often move someone in within days.
