Guelph General deploys remote care monitoring for ALC

GUELPH, Ont. – Guelph General Hospital (GGH) has announced the launch of Toronto Grace Health Centre’s Remote Care Monitoring (RCM) Program for Guelph General patients. This initiative enhances care for older adults while allowing them to remain comfortably in their own home.

The program aims to help with health issues and social factors that affect well-being so that patients who qualify as Alternative Level of Care (ALC) can be safely discharged home.

ALC refers to patients who no longer require services provided in a hospital but still need additional support to continue to live in the community. ALC patients often experience prolonged hospital stays, which can lead to bed shortages for those needing acute care.

“By enhancing the support and resources available to older adults, we are improving their overall healthcare experience,” said Andrea Lucas (pictured), vice president, patient services and chief nursing executive at GGH. “The Remote Care Monitoring Program allows patients aged 60 and over to stay in their familiar surroundings while receiving the support they need.”

The RCM Program leverages advanced technology including fall notifications, medication dispensing devices, and in-home passive monitoring sensors to provide real-time, 24/7 support. A multi-disciplinary team then provides proactive wellness checks and personalized follow-ups, ensuring that older adults receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.

The RCM Program, alongside the recently launched GGH@Home program, is part of GGH’s broader efforts to support the safe transition of patients. GGH@Home provides in-home care for patients over the age of 18 with complex health needs. The first home visit is scheduled before the patient leaves the hospital, and follow-up continues at regular intervals for up to 16 weeks.

“We believe that every patient deserves the opportunity to live as independently as possible,” added Dr. Alex Ferguson, chief of staff at GGH. “This program, along with GGH@Home, is a significant step forward in making that possible and ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care.”

With the launch of the Remote Care Monitoring Program and GGH@Home, GGH is committed to providing patients with the support they need to live comfortably at home, freeing up capacity at the hospital for those requiring acute care.

Guelph General Hospital is a dynamic, comprehensive acute care facility providing a full range of services to the residents of Guelph and Wellington County. Services include 24-hour emergency coverage, advanced technology and diagnostic support, and specialty programs. GGH is a regional provider of general vascular surgery and a designated provincial Bariatric Centre of Excellence. GGH is also a proud partner in the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team.