The Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Task Force is dedicated to addressing the challenge of hospital patients occupying beds while no longer requiring the level of care provided in those settings. This situation, known as an ALC designation, can contribute to longer emergency department (ED) wait times, strained hospital resources, and delays in providing care for those who need it most.
Leveraging timely data, the Task Force identified key patterns, including that 90% of individuals with an ALC designation were admitted through the ED. A significant proportion of these patients are diagnosed with dementia, with many presenting to the ED due to preventable conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). By analyzing these trends, the Task Force works collaboratively with partners to implement targeted interventions that reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, improve care transitions, and support patients in receiving the appropriate level of care in the community or other suitable settings.
Alternate Level of Care Task Force
Sabrina Piluso
NOHT-ÉSON
The following organizations are actively involved in the work of the Alternate Level of Care Task Force:
Happy in My Home – Community Support Services of Niagara
Hospice Niagara
Niagara Health
Niagara Emergency Medical Services
Ontario Health atHome
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
Hamilton Health Sciences
Ontario Health West
Regional Geriatric Program Central
NOHT-ÉSON
