If you are staying at the hospital but do not require the intensity of resources/services provided in this care setting (acute, complex continuing care, mental health, or rehabilitation), you will be designated as ‘alternate level of care (ALC)’ by the physician or their delegate.

At Oak Valley Health, a patient of ALC status is often identified through a collaborative interprofessional approach (e.g., during rounds).

About the Alternate Level of Care Program

The ALC Program provides care to patients who are medically stable. Some physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy are available to help you maintain your conditioning.

The unit staff consists of registered nurses, registered practical nurses, and patient support attendants. A hospital care coordinator with the Central LHIN Community Care Access and the hospital’s patient flow coordinator are available to support your discharge planning.

Options When Transferring from Oak Valley Health

Your discharge/transfer destinations may include, but are not limited to:

  • Home (with or without services/programs)
  • Rehabilitation (facility/bed, internal or external)
  • Complex continuing care (facility/bed, internal or external)
  • Transitional care bed (internal or external)
  • Long-term care home
  • Group home
  • Convalescent care beds
  • Palliative care beds
  • Retirement home
  • Shelter
  • Supportive housing

Oak Valley Health operates two ALC units. One is located at Markham Stouffville Hospital and the other at our Reactivation Care Centre (RCC).

As many of the patients on 2C have various types of dementia, the unit makes use of a Wander Guard system to identify when patients with confusion attempt to wander off.

Meet Our Physicians in the Alternate Level of Care Program