Calgary's Continuing Care Waitlist Crisis: Seniors Stuck in Hospital Beds

In 2025, Calgary hospitals are experiencing a growing crisis: seniors who are medically ready to leave acute care are occupying hospital beds for weeks or months while waiting for continuing care facility placements in Calgary. These "ALC" (Alternate Level of Care) patients are stuck in limbo—too well for the hospital, but unable to secure a spot in their preferred long-term care facility.

The bottleneck is creating a cascade of problems: Calgary emergency departments are overcrowded, hospital staff are stretched thin, and families are facing the difficult reality that their loved one may spend weeks in a hospital bed at Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, or Peter Lougheed Centre before a continuing care bed becomes available. For many families, home care in Calgary offers a faster, more flexible alternative.

Why Calgary Hospitals Are Becoming Long-Term Care Facilities

When a senior is designated as "ALC" (Alternate Level of Care)—meaning they no longer need acute hospital treatment but require ongoing support—they should ideally move to a continuing care facility in Calgary. However, with waitlists stretching for months, hospitals are becoming de facto long-term care facilities.

The Hidden Costs of Waiting in a Hospital Bed

While waiting in a hospital bed, seniors face increased risks of infection, mobility loss, and cognitive decline. Hospital environments are designed for acute care, not long-term comfort. The longer a senior stays in an acute care bed, the more their condition may deteriorate—making them less likely to qualify for their preferred continuing care facility in Calgary when a spot finally opens.

The Alternative: Discharge Home with Private Home Care in Calgary

Many Calgary families don't realize that discharging home with private home care is often a viable alternative to waiting months in a hospital bed. With the right level of support, most "ALC" patients can return home safely while they wait for their preferred continuing care placement—or choose to remain at home permanently.

Private home care agencies in Calgary like TheKey Calgary can provide comprehensive senior care services:

24/7 Support: Round-the-clock care for seniors who need constant supervision or assistance
Medical Care: Registered nurses and RPNs for medication management, wound care, and health monitoring
Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and mobility from trained PSWs
Companionship: Cognitive engagement and social interaction to prevent isolation
Hospital Discharge Support: Coordination with Foothills, Rockyview, and Peter Lougheed discharge planners to facilitate safe transitions home

How Home Care in Calgary Compares to Continuing Care Waitlists

While continuing care facility waitlists in Calgary can stretch for months or years, private home care services can start within 24-48 hours. This immediate availability means your loved one can leave the hospital as soon as they're medically cleared, rather than waiting indefinitely for a continuing care bed in Alberta.

Additionally, home care in Calgary offers advantages that continuing care facilities cannot:

One-on-One Attention: In a continuing care facility, staff ratios are often 1:8 or higher. At home, care is 1:1.
Familiar Environment: Seniors maintain their routines, belongings, and sense of independence in their own home.
Flexibility: Care plans can be adjusted daily based on changing needs, without facility policies limiting options.
Family Involvement: Families can be more present and involved in daily care decisions.
Cost Comparison: For many families, private home care in Calgary costs are comparable to or less than continuing care facility monthly fees.

Funding Options: Making Home Care Affordable in Calgary

Many Calgary families assume 24/7 home care is financially out of reach. However, several funding options can make private home care in Calgary more affordable:

Tax Deductions: Medical expenses for home care can be claimed on your income tax return, reducing the net cost
Alberta Seniors Benefit: Low-income seniors may qualify for additional financial support
Family Contributions: Often, the cost of home care in Calgary is comparable to or less than a continuing care facility's monthly fees
Hybrid Approach: Combine AHS home care (for medical services) with private care (for daily living support) to maximize funding

The Bridge Strategy: Home Care While You Wait

Even if a continuing care facility in Calgary is your long-term goal, discharging home with private care allows you to:

Wait for your preferred facility in comfort at home, rather than in a hospital bed at Foothills or Rockyview
Maintain your position on the waitlist while receiving quality care at home
Evaluate whether home care meets your needs—many families find they prefer staying home permanently

This "bridge" approach gives you control over your loved one's care while the continuing care system in Alberta works through its backlog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Care and Home Care in Calgary

How long is the waitlist for continuing care facilities in Calgary?

Wait times vary by facility and care level, but many Calgary families report waiting 3-12 months for a continuing care placement. During this waiting period, private home care in Calgary can provide immediate support.

Can I stay on the continuing care waitlist while using home care?

Yes. You can maintain your position on the continuing care waitlist in Calgary while receiving private home care services. This allows you to wait for your preferred facility in comfort at home, rather than in a hospital bed.

Is home care more expensive than a continuing care facility in Calgary?

Not necessarily. When you factor in tax deductions, Alberta Seniors Benefits, and the ability to combine AHS and private care, many families find that home care costs in Calgary are comparable to or less than continuing care facility monthly fees. Plus, you receive 1-on-1 care instead of shared staffing.

Which Calgary hospitals are affected by the continuing care waitlist crisis?

Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, and Peter Lougheed Centre are all experiencing significant impacts, with ALC patients occupying acute care beds while waiting for continuing care placements in Calgary.

How do I coordinate home care with hospital discharge in Calgary?

Private home care agencies in Calgary work directly with hospital discharge planners at Foothills, Rockyview, and Peter Lougheed to facilitate safe transitions home. We can have caregivers ready within 24-48 hours of discharge approval.

Don't Let Your Loved One Wait in a Hospital Bed

If your family is facing a continuing care waitlist in Calgary, our Calgary Care Managers can help you explore home care options that allow for a safe, immediate discharge from the hospital.