PROCLAIMING MAY 14, 2026, AS “HOME CARE ADVOCACY DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, RECOGNIZING BOTH ADULT AND PEDIATRIC HOME CARE NEEDS.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Hoffner & Rep. Berry

Sens. Cruce, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Sokola, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Collins, Gorman, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, S. Moore, Morrison, Osienski, Romer, Ross Levin, Snyder-Hall

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 189

PROCLAIMING MAY 14, 2026, AS “HOME CARE ADVOCACY DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, RECOGNIZING BOTH ADULT AND PEDIATRIC HOME CARE NEEDS.

WHEREAS, the United States Census Bureau’s data shows that about 22% of Delaware’s population is 65 years old or older; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services projects that, between 2015 and 2030, there will be an almost 40% increase in Delaware’s population of individuals who are 60 years old or older; and

WHEREAS, individuals, as they age, are more likely to experience physical disability, have difficulty completing activities of daily living, and require memory care; and

WHEREAS, surveys from the American Association of Retired Persons (“AARP”) show that most American seniors would like to age in their own homes and communities; and

WHEREAS, support in the home is essential for seniors to successfully age in place; and

WHEREAS, social and economic forces, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have permanently changed how our families live, work, and provide care; and

WHEREAS, the AARP estimates that nearly 1 in 4, around 25%, of American adults are volunteer caregivers for a loved one; and

WHEREAS, professional home care services give many seniors a cost-effective option for in-home support services and can also reduce the demands on family and volunteer caregivers; and

WHEREAS, home care services contribute to health, safety, independence, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations by providing personalized care and monitoring in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes; and

WHEREAS, the University of Delaware Center for Applied Demography & Survey Research reports that Delaware’s home care workforce is declining while demand for home care services is increasing; and

WHEREAS, a robust and capable home care workforce is vital to respond to the needs of Delaware’s rapidly growing senior population and to support the health and well-being of those who need and rely on home care services; and

WHEREAS, pediatric home care provides skilled nursing, therapy, and supportive services in the home for infants, children, and adolescents with complex medical needs, chronic conditions, or disabilities; and

WHEREAS, pediatric home care supports family-centered care, promotes developmental progress, reduces hospitalizations, and enables children to remain in their homes, attend school, and participate in community life; and

WHEREAS, families of children with medical complexity face significant caregiving, financial, and coordination burdens and require access to adequate home care services, competent pediatric-trained providers, equipment, and respite supports; and

WHEREAS, strengthening and investing in the pediatric home care workforce is essential to meet the unique clinical, developmental, and psychosocial needs of Delaware’s children who require in-home medical services; and

WHEREAS, the home care workforce requires public sector recognition, support, and investment to build a robust home care infrastructure that can provide the care necessary for individuals to live independently and age with dignity; and

WHEREAS, “Home Care Advocacy Day” amplifies the voices of home care providers, caregivers, and aging adults and advocates for policies and resources that support the delivery of high-quality, person-centered care in a home setting; and

WHEREAS, “Home Care Advocacy Day” highlights the importance of standards for quality care, training for home care providers, and access to medical equipment and supplies that are necessary to ensure the well-being of individuals receiving care and their caregivers; and

WHEREAS, “Home Care Advocacy Day” recognizes the dedication and hard work of caregivers, empowers individuals receiving care to advocate for their needs and preferences, and promotes client-centered care models that prioritize individual choice, autonomy, and decision-making regarding care plans and home care services.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that May 14, 2026, is hereby proclaimed “Home Care Advocacy Day” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages policies, workforce development, and resource allocation that support high-quality, person- and family-centered home care services for adults and pediatric populations alike, ensuring all Delaware residents can receive appropriate care at home.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and to home care advocacy organizations throughout the State.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution proclaims May 14, 2026, as "Home Care Advocacy Day" in the State of Delaware and recognizes the dedication and hard work of caregivers.

Author: Senator Hoffner