WILMINGTON ­— Hospice care in Delaware will soon be expanding thanks to a new partnership between ChristianaCare and Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Delaware. The name of the company will be ChristianaCare-Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care.

The need for hospice and palliative care is expected to dramatically grow in Delaware in coming years. According to 2019 state statistics, the percentage of people 65 and older in Delaware will jump from about 18% in 2021 to 52% in 2030 and 62% in 2040.

An increase in the percentage of older populations is consistently expected across the country: Baby boomers, who are now classified older adults, are expected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history in the next two decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“With a burgeoning baby boomer population in Delaware, it will be more important than ever to deliver the right care, at the right time and in the right place — in many cases in the home — with an expert team and an unwavering focus on compassion and dignity for patients and their loved ones facing end-of-life care,” said Ric Cuming, chief nurse executive at ChristianaCare and president of ChristianaCare HomeHealth.

The joint venture builds on an existing successful relationship between ChristianaCare and Seasons Hospice. Since 2012, Seasons Hospice has managed an inpatient 12-bed unit specifically for hospice patients at ChristianaCare’s Newark campus. Last year, Seasons Hospice opened a similar 13-bed unit at ChristianaCare’s Wilmington campus.

“Together, we have a rare opportunity to shape the future of post-acute care so people who need our services can receive them on their terms and where they want them,” said Todd Stern, CEO of Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care.

The partnership will enable ChristianaCare to provide care throughout the entire span of a patient’s life. Patients will no longer need to transfer from ChristianaCare to another provider for end-of-life care.

Seasons Hospice will manage daily patient care. A governing board will consist of three individuals from each organization. The board will establish a clinical and quality oversight committee.

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