Coming in early 2028
Designed with natural light and landscaping to create a safe and inviting homelike environment, the new Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill will feature three stories with 120 beds arranged into five homelike residential neighborhoods
This thoughtfully designed, innovative facility is not just about infrastructure. It’s about building a space where our residents can feel at home, where their independence is respected, and where staff can provide exceptional care without any barriers or limitations.
- Physical and occupational therapies
- New dining areas with a full-service kitchen
- Canteen for non-mealtime food and beverage
- Multipurpose auditorium
- 3 courtyards
- 190 parking spots, ensuring easy access for families, staff, and visitors alike.
- Scenic views of Smyrna’s beautiful Lake Como
State-of-the-art adaptive equipment includes 8 bariatric rooms, Hoyer lifts to enhance resident and staff safety, and a new system that replaces portable oxygen tanks with built-in forced wall air.
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. We are breaking ground on a new long-term care facility to replace the current facility (Candee Building, which is the building immediately behind us) opened in 1961.
Funding
Delaware received critical funding for this roughly $90 million project through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), Congressionally Directed Spending and Bond Bill funding:
- $50 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds (2021)
- $30 million from the Delaware Bond Bill Capital Improvement Committee (2023)
- $10 million in Congressionally directed spending for state-of-the-art equipment inside the new building championed by U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, along with Sen. Tom Carper and then-U.S. Congresswoman, now Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Timing
The Department of Health and Social Services looks forward to cutting the ribbon on a beautiful new facility in early 2028. Over the next 16 to 18 months, we expect roughly 100 construction workers on site each day, supporting good jobs and fueling local businesses in the Smyrna area.
State and federal leaders, including Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, State Rep. William J. Carson, joined DHSS leaders and DHCI residents, staff and volunteers August 21, 2025 to break ground on the new Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill. The new construction, expected to open in early 2028, replaces the current Candee Building which opened in 1961. DHCI is the only remaining State-run long-term care facility serving Delawareans with chronic long-term skilled nursing needs. The facility maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service.
