– Association applauds positive reform measures designed to prevent neglect of those living with dementia in the state’s memory care facilities –
March 6, 2024 – The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter urges Delaware legislators to pass and fund the proposed package of long term care legislation introduced by State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos and State Representative Kendra Johnson. The four related bills are designed to address the critical need for reform in facilities offering memory care services. Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter Executive Director, Kristina Fransel said, “the newly proposed long term care-focused bills offer important steps towards safeguarding Delaware’s most vulnerable residents by providing greater protection of their health and safety.”
“We are grateful to the prime sponsors, Senator Mantzavinos and Representative Johnson, for their dedicated work in directly addressing issues that can lead to neglect in memory care facilities. But in order to prevent future mistreatment of residents, it is critical that Delaware lawmakers act quickly to pass and fund this legislation.
“These proposed policies come, in part, as a result of the tireless work of our volunteer-advocates, particularly those whose loved ones have suffered due to negligence and lack of oversight, yet were brave enough to share their stories to help impact change for other Delaware families. We are hopeful this legislation will support the long-term care workforce while simultaneously–and most importantly–creating a safer environment for residents.”
The proposed package of legislation—including Senate Bills 151 and 215, and House Bills 217 and 300—seeks to help facilities recover from loss of labor through a career-based scholarship program; provides enhanced transparency via third-party accreditation and annual in-person inspections; and gives the state more power to correct extreme cases of life-threatening abuse through increased civil penalties. Much like Senate Bill 150—which also needs to pass—these bills can have a positive impact on those individuals living with dementia who reside in long term care facilities.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association
2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nationally, thirty-four percent of residents in care facilities have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In Delaware today, more than 19,000 state residents aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
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About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. For more information, visit
alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.