Delaware

Vetting an assisted living facility in Delaware, nationwide: What to look for, ask

Published

11 months ago

January 22, 2025

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Vetting an assisted living facility in Delaware, nationwide: What to look for, ask

The decision to place a loved one in a long-term care facility can be a difficult one.

It may be obvious they can no longer live on their own, but they don’t quite need the level of care nursing homes provide. Assisted living facilities can be a good in-between option.

But with not-infrequent news reports of deaths or serious injuries occurring at these facilities, how are families expected to know what questions to ask to ensure safety and the proper level of care?

Eilon Caspi, a gerontologist and elder mistreatment researcher who teaches at the University of Minnesota, has some suggestions.

Do your research

Search both a facility and its parent company online, Caspi said. But don’t just look up the name − make sure to include keywords that will show news articles and potential lawsuits.

Including a local news outlet’s name in the search bar can be very helpful. Additionally, using words such as “inspection” can yield important results.

When to tour a facility and what to look for

Touring a facility at both peak and non-peak times is essential, Caspi said.

“It’s a recipe for disaster for people with dementia to have no meaningful engagement in the evening,” Caspi said. “In many places, it’s four o’clock and they’re done, and these are the hours that are critical.”

During tours, keep an eye on the facility’s layout, especially in its dementia units.

Labyrinth-like facilities can be a nightmare for those with dementia. Additionally, staff in dementia wards should be able to have a view of an entire floor at all times, Caspi said.

Ask for staffing ratios and turnover rates

The healthcare field has a workforce crisis, Caspi said. Assisted living facilities are no exception.

Thus, families should ask for the facility’s actual staffing ratios, not their ideal ones. Turnover rates can also be an indicator of workplace environment.

Consistency is key for those with dementia, Caspi said, so having an established caregiver can result in better outcomes.

Inquire about training requirements

The reality of the workforce crisis is that some facilities must hire caregivers with only the minimum required qualifications, Caspi said.

But in those cases – and just as a general practice – the facility should require supplemental training.

Caspi noted that cosmetics technicians in some states need 400 hours of training, which includes hands-on work, before being allowed to provide services.

Yet some assisted living facilities require only 10 or 12 hours of classroom training.

“These are people who are for our elderly – we have to decide where our priorities are,” Caspi said.

Ask the state for inspection reports

Assisted living facilities are not regulated by the federal government, so it’s left up to states to determine the frequency of inspections and facility requirements.

But this also means that families should ask the state’s health department or whatever agency oversees facilities for inspection reports for any centers they’re interested in.

Some states publish their inspection reports online, such as Delaware. But The First State doesn’t always provide the most up-to-date reports or a complete list, so requesting them through Delaware Health and Social Services is important.

Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_

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Delaware

Done Deal: 695 Delaware Avenue – Buffalo Rising

Published

8 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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Done Deal: 695 Delaware Avenue – Buffalo Rising

Ellicott Development has expanded it local property portfolio. Ellicott’s 4628 Group Inc. purchased 695 Delaware Avenue on Wednesday for $1.025 million. Fred Kaplan Living Trust was the seller. The 8,454 sq.ft., three-story barn-like structure with mansard roofed addition is occupied by media production and marketing firm Crosswater Digital Media. It was the home of WKBW radio for a number of years. The property totals 0.4 acres in size with a large parking lot fronting Delaware Avenue.

The property is bookended by the Westbrook Apartments and Wilcox House apartment buildings, both ten-story structures. It sits across the street from 700 Delaware, the former Computer Task Group Building Ellicott purchased in 2018 and is now occupied by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

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Delaware

Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

Published

20 hours ago

December 11, 2025

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Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

A 77-year-old man died following a two-car crash near Hartly on the morning of Dec. 10, Delaware State Police said.

The man, from the Dover area, has not been identified by police pending family notification.

According to police reports, the man was driving a Honda Accord east on Judith Road approaching Hartly Road about 9 a.m., as an 18-year-old woman was driving a Ford Focus south on Hartly Road approaching Judith Road.

Police reported that a preliminary investigation shows the Honda moved from the stop sign into the Ford’s path, causing a collision.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, from Hartly, was treated at the scene. Police said she refused to be taken to a hospital.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

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Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Delaware County Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to approve a budget that includes a 19% property tax increase, despite objections from residents.

Property owners with a home assessed at $255,000 will pay about $188 more annually under the new budget, which takes effect next month.

Before the vote, some residents urged council to reconsider.

“I ask council to revisit the proposed budget, forgo voting tonight, avoid solving the entire deficit on the back of the hardworking taxpayers,” said Cynthia Sabitini of Upper Providence Township.

One councilmember agreed, but most did not.

“Simply put, I feel that the increase is too drastic,” said Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer.

“This needs to occur. I don’t like it, but it’s what has to occur,” said Councilmember Kevin Madden.

The hike follows a 23% increase last year and a 5% increase the year before. County officials say tax hikes were minimal for a decade, forcing steep increases now.

The current all-Democratic council argues they’re righting the financial ship after past Republican leaders didn’t do enough.

“For the first time in more than a decade, this budget puts Delaware County on track to have a truly balanced budget,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

County leaders say the increase addresses a structural deficit, but opponents blame spending on projects such as de-privatizing George Hill Correctional Center and creating a health department.

“How do you justify coming in with a deficit and then saying you’re repairing it after you grew it?” said Michael Straw of Media Borough Republicans.

Officials say future hikes should be minimal if the county makes any request at all, but some remain skeptical.

“I have my doubts that we won’t be seeing increases in the future,” Straw said.

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