Abstract
An Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patient is someone who occupies a bed in the hospital but does not require the intensive level of care in the hospital setting. In 2021, of the over 48,000 inpatients designated as ALC in Ontario hospitals, approximately 85% were older adults (over 65 years of age) living with frailty. Older adults living with frailty designated as ALC risk further decline while waiting to be transitioned to a more appropriate setting due to suboptimal care in the hospital. At the same time, there is a lack of support for older adults to maintain their safety and independence in the community. This study aims to understand the lived experience of older adults living with frailty and relevant health participants (caregivers, healthcare professionals, administrators) when transitioning from hospital to home. Through in-depth and open-ended interviews, this study focuses on the exploration and identification of key challenges, barriers, and facilitators of transition from the insiders’ perspectives in the context of Ontario Health Team. This sets the first steppingstone for future development of discharge and transition pathways that are patient-centred, effective, and practical, enabling older adults living with frailty to age safely and independently in their preferred environment.