Given the interconnections between ALC reduction, rehab for older adults and senior-friendly care, the RCA continues to offer its essential rehab lens to organizations implementing ALC leading practices. This critical perspective complements specialized geriatric and patient/care partner voices to truly realize the potential of initiatives designed to reduce ALC days.

As rehabilitative care is provided along the full continuum of care, implementation plans may be developed to support care in any setting. The RCA has partnered with Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario (PGLO), local Specialized Geriatrics Services and several Ontario hospitals to complete the ALC Leading Practices Self Assessment. Together, the partners support a range of next steps to address gaps, including direct access to rehabilitative care and interprofessional, patient/care partner-centred goal setting with acute care teams.

Recently, the RCA, in collaboration with PGLO and the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario, facilitated a Geriatric Care Pathway event with Almonte & Carleton Place that brought together patients, care partners, funders, health system leaders, frontline providers from across the continuum, subject matter experts and clinical leaders. Participants mapped out the current processes used to care for older adults with the goal of then identifying opportunities to better serve this population.

Going forward, the RCA will continue to work with its partners to determine potential next steps for regional implementation of ALC reduction strategies.

For more information, please contact Gabrielle Sadler, Project Manager.