Seniors Face Daily Fees in Alberta Hospitals

In Alberta, hospital patients who are medically stable but awaiting transfer to a supportive living facility face a daily accommodation charge of $69.20. This fee, implemented in 2015, applies to individuals no longer requiring acute care. The province states the charge offsets costs like meals and maintenance, akin to continuing care facility rates.

This Alternative Level of Care (ALC) policy has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as a disincentive to remain in hospital. Experts note the frustration for families and the impact on hospital bed availability for acute care patients. As of 2025, ALC patients represented approximately 14% of hospitalizations in Alberta.

The Alberta government is actively working to increase continuing care spaces, having funded over 3,000 new spaces since 2019 and recently announcing a $400 million investment. These efforts are part of a larger Assisted Living Framework aimed at creating tens of thousands of spaces and improving patient flow.

Despite the province's efforts, including a reported 40% reduction in ALC patients waiting for continuing care since last fall, challenges remain in coordinating care across different facility operators. This complex system can create patient flow issues for Alberta Health Services.