NEWARK – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) will seek public comment on its proposed State Plan on Aging for the period of October 2024 through September 2028.

The State Plan has been developed to meet requirements under Title III and Title VII of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The Act provides funding for a variety of programs and services for older Delawareans and their caregivers, including supportive services, nutrition programs, disease prevention and health promotion initiatives, elder rights protection activities, and caregiver support programs.

These hearings will provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments and suggestions on the plan. In-person sessions will be held in Wilmington, North New Castle County, Southern New Castle County, Kent County, East Sussex County, and West Sussex County, with one evening virtual session. The schedule is:

• April 8, 11 a.m. – Modern Maturity Center, 1122 Forest Avenue, Dover, DE. 19904
• April 9, 1 p.m. – Claymont Community Center, 3301 Green Street, Claymont, DE. 19703
•  April 18, 1 p.m. – MOT Senior Center, 300 South Scott Street, Middletown, DE. 19709
•  April 23, 1 p.m. – CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown, DE. 19947
•  April 25, 1 p.m. – Lewes Senior Activity Center, 32083 Janice Road, Lewes, DE. 19958
• April 26, 1-3 p.m. – Hispanic Association of Delaware, 1801 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE. 19805
•  May 2, 6 p.m. – Via Zoom

A copy of the draft plan may be obtained by following the links on the division’s website at: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/state_plan_hearings_2024.html

Twenty percent of Delaware’s total population is 65 years or older, according to the most recent census data, meaning nearly one in four Delawareans are currently eligible for OAA programs and services.

By the year 2040, Delawareans who are age 60 and older will make up one-third of the state’s population, or more than 313,835 people, according to the latest Delaware Population Consortium projections.

“Public input is essential to the development of Delaware’s State Plan on Aging, to ensure our programs, supports, and services reflect the growing and changing needs of Delaware’s older adult population,” said DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith. “We recognize the importance of active living and community integration to allow older Delawareans to age in place where, and how, they choose. We are asking you to partner with us in shaping what that will look like over the next four years.”

The goals of the State Plan are to ensure people can safely remain in their own homes, to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness activities that will enhance aging in place, and to assist with developing an individualized plan for equitable access to community activities.

The 2024-2028 State Plan on Aging focuses on initiatives such as:

• Promoting excellence in the delivery of Older Americans Act Core Programs through modernized service delivery and resource allocation.
• Supporting local community organizations to expand access to programming and support healthy aging.
• Increasing accessibility of emergency preparedness resources and services.
• Supporting Delaware’s aging population with in-home services and supports that allow them to age in place where and how they choose.
• Continuing stakeholder engagement in underserved communities to build and expand person-centered service delivery.
• Enhancing services and supports for Family Caregivers by implementing recommendations and best practices from local, state, and national taskforces and councils.

Comments and suggestions on the Draft State Plan on Aging will be accepted until the close of business on May 1, 2024.

• By Mail: DSAAPD Planning Unit, 240 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE. 19713
• By Email: DelawareADRC@delaware.gov
• By Fax: 302-781-3548

SMYRNA (October 16, 2023) – The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) in Smyrna is asking members of the community to sponsor a resident for the holidays. DHCI is a licensed Skilled Nursing Facility, operated by the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, dedicated to comprehensive nursing home services for Delawareans who have no other options for their care.

Many residents of DHCI have little family involvement or support. The nursing home relies on the generosity of community members including neighbors, local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers to help fulfill resident wishes at the holidays through the Adopt-A-Resident Program.

“The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is truly grateful for the continued generosity and kindness of those who step forward to make a difference for our residents over the holidays and throughout the year,” said Melissa Smith, director of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.

Members of the community, as individuals or as groups, can participate in Adopt-A-Resident at Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in one of three ways:

• Adopt-A-Resident: Sponsors are provided with the identification code and the wish list of a resident. The sponsor is asked to buy the wish list items and deliver them unwrapped in a gift bag to the Medical Administration Building Lobby Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, located at 100 Sunnyside Road in Smyrna.
• Monetary donation: Donate by gift card or check and leave the shopping to staff at DHCI. Donations may be mailed to the Volunteer Services Office: Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE, 19977.
• General donation: Buy items from the list of suggested gifts that coordinators will email to you. During the holidays, these items are used to fill gift bags for residents who have not been adopted, and during the rest of the year they are used to fill resident birthday bags and special requests for residents.

To participate in Adopt-A-Resident, please email Tina.Wagner@delaware.gov or call (302) 223-1011 and let us know how you wish to help. Please also leave your name and the best way to contact you.

Wilmington, Del. (August 3, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts recently secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for adults aged 55+ in Delaware.

Building upon the transformative success of the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging program, which catalyzed arts learning opportunities for adults aged 55+ in Delaware and nationwide, the Delaware Division of the Arts sought funding from the States Leading Creative Aging program, a new joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. Delaware secured $95,000 for the Delaware Creative Aging program.

“Arts engagement helps adults aged 55+ to thrive and is a powerful antidote to isolation. But too many adults aged 55+ still lack access to these benefits,” said NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux. “Our state leadership grants—combined with free professional development programs for all 56 states and jurisdictions—will help to expand creative aging programs to make them more accessible nationwide. NASAA is thrilled to continue this important work in collaboration with state arts agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.”

“E.A. Michelson Philanthropy is proud to partner with NASAA through our continued support of creative aging within our state and jurisdictional arts agencies,” said Ellen Michelson, founder and president. “We are delighted to see this leadership initiative strengthening existing creative aging programs and amplifying the creativity of adults aged 55+ across the country.”

“We are thrilled to secure this new funding for the Delaware Creative Aging program,” said Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball. “Arts engagement has proven to be a powerful tool in helping adults aged 55+ thrive and learn new skills in a supportive and social environment. With this support from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, we can expand our creative aging programs and make them more accessible to adults aged 55+ in underserved communities throughout Delaware.”

“The Delaware Division of the Arts has been doing exceptional work in promoting arts learning opportunities for Delaware’s older adults,” stated Delaware Governor John Carney. “This funding will strengthen the State’s efforts to support Delawareans aged 55+ that can benefit from the arts. I want to thank NASAA, E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, and the Delaware Division of the Arts for recognizing the importance of creative aging programs and investing in their expansion.”

The Delaware Division of the Arts is one of nine state arts agencies receiving awards from NASAA. With this funding, each state will build on existing creative aging programs to gain significant ground in meeting the needs of adults aged 55+ in underserved communities throughout their state. Activities will include expanding existing creative aging programs, supporting artist residencies within Delaware’s libraries, providing professional development for Delaware-based teaching artists, providing direct programming to older adult audiences, cultivating new creative aging partnerships and more.

For information about new creative aging activities taking place in Delaware, contact Andy Truscott at Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov. For more information about NASAA’s States Leading Creative Aging initiative, visit https://tinyurl.com/59d4en9d. 

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) celebrated the 60th anniversary of Older Americans Month with an event at the Wilmington Public Library on Monday.

This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Aging Unbound,” which offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age. Older Americans Month was established in 1963 and is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living, the month is a time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen a commitment to honor older citizens.

DSAAPD leadership and staff joined local dignitaries and aging network partners to kick off the month with a proclamation from the Office of the Governor at the library Monday.

“Older Delawareans are a vibrant part of the fabric of our state,” said Melissa Smith, Director of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. “While our division celebrates older adults every day, it is a great reminder that this May we can explore opportunities and examples of aging unbound. Age does not define us, nor should it limit the possibilities we see for ourselves. We hope celebrating aging unbound will encourage all of us, no matter our age, to continue to find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries.”

Older Americans Month seeks to challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways to participate in Aging Unbound:

• Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy and energy.

• Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes and creative activities.

• Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.

• Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends and community members.

For more information, visit the official Older Americans Month website, follow DSAAPD on Facebook and Instagram, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.

New campaign underway to highlight support, services available to First State caregivers

NEW CASTLE, Del. (Jan. 30, 2023) — The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched a new campaign designed to raise awareness around the many resources available to those who care for and support an older adult or someone living with a disability. The campaign highlights DHSS’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), which offers caregivers valuable services, information and support.

“Many who live in or come to Delaware to take care of and support another individual do not consider themselves a caregiver, let alone know about all the resources and services available to them,” said Melissa Smith, director of DSAAPD. “Do you provide rides to doctor appointments? Pick up prescriptions? Do you help a relative with their financials? Do you spend time with a homebound senior? These are all caregiver roles that deserve to be acknowledged and supported.”

The campaign is designed to help individuals recognize their role as a caregiver and then guide them to the myriad networks of support available within the state.

Services include support groups, home care, transportation, food programs, financial assistance, along with the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) website, which connects Delawareans to all aging and disability resources and services throughout the First State.

“The Delaware ADRC can connect caregivers with the support they need — or maybe didn’t even know they were looking for — so they can effectively take care of their loved ones and, at the same time, take care of themselves,” Smith said.

The campaign started in mid-January and includes radio, social media, and print and digital advertising.

Caregivers are encouraged to visit DelawareADRC.com to access services and support.