Building continuing care, more acute capacity

December 10, 2025 Media inquiries

With the new Assisted Living Framework, Alberta’s government is relieving pressure on hospitals, ensuring Albertans get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Through the new Assisted Living Framework, the province will invest billions over the next decade to build tens of thousands of continuing care spaces, starting with $400 million to turn shovel-ready projects into new, high-quality care spaces in the communities that need them most.

Historically, one out of five hospital beds have been occupied by Albertans who no longer require acute care, also known as alternate level of care patients. This leads to crowded hospitals, longer wait times and added strain on front-line staff. Through decisive action, Alberta’s government has reduced the number of non-acute patients in hospital beds by 20 per cent in just six months, but there’s more work to be done. Alberta’s new Assisted Living Framework builds on this progress, tackling the issue head-on by strengthening the province’s assisted living sector to ensure Albertans can receive the non-acute care they need within their own homes and communities – rather than always relying on hospitals.

“When Albertans go to the hospital, they deserve timely, high-quality care. Patients who are no longer acute deserve to move into the setting that can best support their recovery, whether that is community care, continuing care or their own home. Making sure every Albertan is in the right bed with the right level of care is how we improve outcomes and free up acute care for those who need it most.”

Premier Danielle Smith