Northeast’s First Fully-Dedicated Transitional Care Unit Eases Return to Home

Since its grand opening last October, our Transitional Care Unit (TCU) has been providing great continuity of care to guests who need a step of care between hospitalization and home.

Located at 149 8th Ave. in Northeast Minneapolis, the licensed 24-bed care center combines the latest in rehabilitative and medical technology with all the warmth and comforts of home.

“Our community is fortunate to have the TCU as part of the continuum of care,” Lora Lallak said, director of transitional care and rehabilitative services. “After years of creating model senior living spaces, this addition has made a significant impact on long-term care census.”

To date, the unit has cared for more than 70 guests and the feedback from guests and their families has been overwhelmingly positive.

The new TCU offers a physical, occupational and speech therapy room, a hydro spa, and a private, park-like green space. Large private rooms include a bed with a full-size bathroom and a kitchenette, and four rooms come equipped with a ceiling track to help less mobile patients move around. Guests can also enjoy daily access to the on-site beauty shop, bistro, and chapel. 

Of the main floor resides the Streetcar Café, inspired by the historic streetcar corridors, where friends and family can grab a bite to eat. Alexander Dixon, Catholic Eldercare’s Executive Chef and former executive chef of the New French Café, designs a meal plan for guests that combines both fresh and comfort food choices to fit individual preferences and dietary needs.

“I enjoyed spending time socializing with other patients and getting to know their families,” said one grateful TCU patient. “And I had a ring of specialists around me who knew my story so I didn’t have to keep repeating it.”

Guests are typically admitted to the TCU for post-surgical recovery from procedures such as orthopedic rehabilitation care. A few extra days for recovery in the TCU can give patients just the time they need to regain the strength and function needed to successfully be discharged home. The average length of stay ranges from 15 to 18 days, depending upon the individual’s customized care plan.

The TCU receives referrals from area hospitals like University of MN Medical Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, North Memorial Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and other care providers. Recognized for its central location and easy access to major highway routes, the TCU is convenient for local Minneapolis residents and downtown commuters to drop off a family member during the week and pick them up on the way home. 

“We are happy to deliver yet another link in Catholic Eldercare’s continuum of care for the people in Northeast and downtown who have worked hard their whole lives and now need the finest support that can be offered to improve recovery and maintain an acceptable quality of life,” President and CEO of Catholic Eldercare Dan Johnson said.

Our goal is to be a compassionate partner in your journey toward recovery - one you can trust to honor your wishes, protect your dignity and promote your independence. For more information, please contact Amy Johnson at ajohnson@catholiceldercare.org or 612.362.2444.