SMYRNA – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Governor Matt Meyer, and officials from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday to begin construction on the new Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill.
The State-run long-term care facility, which maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will replace the current Candee Building which opened in 1961. The new facility is expected to open in early 2027.
The project is funded by $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds championed by members of Delaware’s congressional delegation – U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. Lisa Bunt Rochester, in 2021. The project is also utilizing $30 million from the Delaware Bond Bill Capital Improvement Committee while $10 million in Congressionally directed spending will go to integrating state-of-the-art equipment to support residents and staff at the new building.
“Delaware leaders are well aware of the need for health care workers and health care facilities to serve our growing aging population,” Governor Matt Meyer said. “Thank you to our federal delegation, our state legislators and especially Rep. Carson and former Sen. Ennis for securing valuable funding for this facility. We must improve access and quality of care for Delaware’s aging population. This beautiful project will do just that.”
The new building will feature three stories, with 120 beds arranged into five residential neighborhoods, moving beyond the traditional institutional model to create a resident-centered homelike environment.
It will feature eight bariatric rooms, Hoyer lifts, forced wall air, dining room areas with a full-service kitchen, a canteen for non-mealtime food and beverage, physical and occupational therapies, and a multipurpose auditorium. Outside, the facility will have three courtyards and 190 parking spots to ensure easy access for families, staff, and visitors.
“This thoughtfully designed, innovative facility is not just about infrastructure, it’s about enhancing the quality of life for the residents who live here,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “We are building a space where our residents can feel at home, where their independence is respected, and where our staff can provide exceptional care without any barriers or limitations. I hope this groundbreaking shows our staff and our residents that a better, safer, and more supportive environment is on the horizon.”