Alternate Level of Care
When a patient is occupying a bed in a hospital, and does not require the intensity of resources/services provided in this care setting (Acute Care, Complex Continuing Care, Mental Health or Rehabilitation), the patient must be designated Alternate Level of Care (ALC) at that time by the physician or her/his delegate.
What is meant by "Alternative Level of Care"?
When you are first admitted to the hospital you require acute medical care and you are considered to be an "acute" patient.
When your health has improved to a point where you no longer require acute medical care & are waiting for placement in a Long Term Care Facility, you will be designated. Alternate Level of Care (ALC).
Who determines that a patient is classified as ALC?
Your doctor and your health care team decide if you no longer need acute care. They will tell you as soon as possible when they have changed your status to "ALC". This can change back to "acute" if your health changes. We hope this will not be necessary for you.
Focus on Wellness
You may be waiting to be transferred to another health care facility for complex continuing care, rehabilitation, retirement home, or long term care.
While you are waiting, your care may change slightly and will focus on your wellness.
- Blood pressure, temperature, pulse and breathing rate will be monitored regularly.
- Your bathing routine will be closer to your home routines, partial baths daily and shower twice weekly.
- Your health care team will be monitoring your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Facility of Choice
The ALC Client is given the opportunity to choose a Facility of Choice. The client may choose to wait at home for his/her Facility of Choice, however if the client decides to wait in the hospital for placement he/she must choose 2 of the 3 Short Term Facilities listed and must accept the first available facility that provides the necessary level of care. Later, when the preferred Facility of Choice becomes available, the client will be offered the transfer.
Personal Belongings
ALC clients will dress daily in their own clothing which will be labeled by the Laundry Department on admission. Family is encouraged to be responsible for the client's laundry.
Activities
ALC clients and their families are invited and encouraged to participate in Long Term Care activities. Activities take place on a regular basis in the Resident's Dining Room and a monthly schedule is posted. Medications will be provided by the hospital.
Who Pays for ALC?
The client will be charged a co-payment for daily costs of your hospital stay. This fee is determined by the Ministry of Health and is determined by the client's Notice of Assessment from his/her Income Tax Return. This document must be provided to the hospital when arranging ALC. If you do not supply this information the hospital will assume you are able to pay the maximum per day.
