Start with a call to the Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) to request a MnCHOICES assessment, which determines whether a nursing-facility level of care is needed and opens the door to Elderly Waiver-funded in-home services, adult foster care, or licensed assisted living, depending on the assessed level of need and the family's preference.
How families here handle this
A fall is often the event that forces a family to confront a decision they'd been putting off, and the right first move is an honest assessment of what level of support is actually needed rather than jumping straight to the most restrictive option out of fear. In many cases, a Twin Cities parent can safely remain at home with Elderly-Waiver-funded personal care assistance, home health aide visits, and home modifications like grab bars or a stairlift, especially if a fall was a one-time event rather than a sign of a broader decline. If the assessment or family situation points toward assisted living instead, verifying the facility's MDH license status and Report Card ratings before touring gives the family a factual starting point rather than relying solely on how a community looks or feels during a single visit.
Related questions
- My parent has been diagnosed with dementia — where do I start in the Twin Cities?
- My parent keeps wandering — what safety and licensing questions should I ask a facility?
- I'm burning out as a caregiver for my spouse or parent — what help is available in the Twin Cities?
- My parent's money is running out — what are our options in Minnesota?
- My spouse needs more care than I can provide at home — how do I protect our finances?