MAY 11 REDEDICATION OF DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL'S CANDEE BUILDING TO BE CELEBRATED WITH CEREMONY AND PUBLIC TOURS

SMYRNA (May 8, 2015) - The Department of Health and Social Services will celebrate the completion of the first phase of an initiative to create a more home-like environment for residents living in the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill's Candee Building with a ceremony, ribbon-cutting and public tours from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, May 11.

The ceremony, featuring remarks from DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities Director Jill Rogers, DHCI Administrator Kim Blunt and others, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the front of the Candee Building on the DHCI Campus, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna. The official ribbon-cutting will follow remarks.

"This rededication is important to the residents of the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, to the employees of our facility, and to the community of Smyrna," DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "With the quality care that our residents receive, many individuals are able to return to the community. For those residents whose medical conditions are too fragile, this project will make the Candee Building feel more like a home than a long-term care facility."

The improvements to the facility include warm paint colors on residents' units, artwork on the walls, and sconces filled with flowers and greenery. Included in the home-like project were shadow boxes - uniquely created for each resident - containing photographs and embellishments to show their individual personalities and offer insight into their lives.

"It is wonderful to see the pride each resident feels to have their living space feel more comfortable, home-like and beautiful," Hospital Administrator Kim Blunt said. "I thank all of our staff and volunteers who have worked so hard on behalf of our residents."

After the ceremony, the public will be able to visit displays highlighting the project, learn about DHCI programs and volunteers, tour the long-term care facility, and enjoy light refreshments.

The Candee Building, in which all 142 residents currently live, was built in 1957 and was named in honor of Dr. Charles L. Candee, one of four members of the former "Old Age Welfare Commission," which oversaw the hospital's operations at one tie.

Today, admission to the long-term care facility, which is operated by DHSS, requires both a financial and a medical need.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.