Free senior care guidance for Twin Cities families. No cost to you, ever.
Call (651) 390-4719
Minneapolis Senior Advisor

My parent is being discharged from a Twin Cities hospital in 3 days, what do I do?

Ask the hospital's discharge planner or social worker immediately for a written discharge plan and request time to explore options — Medicare-covered

Quick answer

Ask the hospital's discharge planner or social worker immediately for a written discharge plan and request time to explore options — Medicare-covered patients have federal appeal rights to delay a discharge they believe is premature. Simultaneously call the Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) for options counseling and, if a nursing-facility level of care is likely, ask about starting a MnCHOICES assessment for Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care eligibility right away, since that process takes time.

Get matched freeCall (651) 390-4719
Home›Questions›My parent is being discharged from a Twin Cities hos
Answer

Ask the hospital's discharge planner or social worker immediately for a written discharge plan and request time to explore options — Medicare-covered patients have federal appeal rights to delay a discharge they believe is premature. Simultaneously call the Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) for options counseling and, if a nursing-facility level of care is likely, ask about starting a MnCHOICES assessment for Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care eligibility right away, since that process takes time.

Inside the discharge window

A three-day discharge window from a metro hospital like Abbott Northwestern, Regions, Methodist, or North Memorial feels impossibly short for a family who hasn't yet researched assisted living, memory care, or in-home options, but hospitals are required to provide a documented discharge plan and to help arrange follow-up care, not just release a patient with no plan. Every hospital has a discharge planner or social worker whose job is exactly this transition — ask for them by name and be specific about what kind of help is needed, whether that's a short-term rehab stay, home health services, or a direct move to assisted living. If the discharge genuinely feels unsafe or premature, Medicare beneficiaries have a formal right to request an expedited review before discharge, which can buy critical extra time.

Related questions

Questions families ask

My parent is being discharged from a Twin Cities hospital in 3 days, what do I do?

Ask the hospital's discharge planner or social worker immediately for a written discharge plan and request time to explore options — Medicare-covered patients have federal appeal rights to delay a discharge they believe is premature. Simultaneously call the Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) for options counseling and, if a nursing-facility level of care is likely, ask about starting a MnCHOICES assessment for Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care eligibility right away, since that process takes time.

Not sure where to start?

Answer five questions and a local advisor will come back with senior care options in your area that actually fit your situation and budget. It is free, and there is no obligation.

Find care options
Find senior care — free