About Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI)

Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities Menu

History

In 1931, the State of Delaware passed legislation authorizing the Old Age Welfare Commission to purchase land and build a "State Welfare Home," which later became known as the State Home and Hospital for the Chronically Ill, and then the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI). The facility served as residence for Delawareans who had no income or place to live and also provided medical and nursing home care. The Commission operated the facility until 1953, when the Delaware legislature created a Board of Trustees. Responsibility for the operating the facility was transferred to the Division of Public Health in 1969 and then to the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) in 2011.

Read more about DHCI's history in the Delaware Public Archives and in a 1934 edition of the Monthly Labor Review.

Location

DHCI is located on a 62-acre campus off Route 13 in Smyrna, Delaware. The mailing address is 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE 19977.

Facility Size

DHCI is a 205-bed facility.

Licenses/Certification

DHCI is licensed by the State of Delaware as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF).

Staffing

DHCI has a full range of staff to provide care to residents including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), cooks, dietary aides, dietary managers, social workers, and therapy aides. In addition, the State employs staff to carry out security, housekeeping, and maintenance responsibilities, and contracts with providers for various needed medical services, including the services of doctors, rehabilitation therapists, and others.

Unique Features

DHCI has a long history of providing comprehensive skilled nursing home services to Delawareans who have no other options for their care. DHCI has an onsite dental clinic and conducts various activities for residents such as the annual Family Day.

Recent Survey Results

Visit the DHCI page on the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website for quality measures and results of the latest inspection.

About Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI)

Home

About

Services

Information