Dr. Ngozi Dom-Chima is a data management analyst for the Delaware Residents’ Protection Commission. Margaret E. Bailey is the commission’s executive director.
When a loved one lives in a skilled-nursing facility or assisted-living facility, a family want to know: Is my loved one safe, respected and receiving the care he or she deserves?
The Delaware Residents’ Protection Commission believes the best way to understand long-term care is to listen directly to those who experience it: residents, families and employees.
As a result, a Satisfaction Survey/Feedback Initiative was conducted during fiscal 2026, which gathered feedback from long-term care facilities across Delaware. Participants shared their experiences with safety, staffing, communication, responsiveness, cleanliness, medical care, respect and overall satisfaction.
The feedback highlighted positive experiences, while also identifying opportunities for improvement, including wait times for care, communication with families and the resources employees need to provide individualized care.
Listening, monitoring and advocating
The satisfaction survey was not intended to label facilities as “good” or “bad.” It was a tool to recognize what is working, identify areas for improvement and encourage meaningful conversations about resident care.
DRPC’s work goes beyond collecting survey responses. The commission monitors quality assurance systems in skilled-nursing facilities, assisted-living facilities and memory care units as they relate to quality of care, quality of life and resident safety. The commission reviews information, visits facilities, identifies trends and advocates improvements in Delaware’s long-term care system.
Families: Ask about your facility’s results
DRPC encourages families to take active roles in their loved ones’ care. Contact your facility administrator and ask about the facility’s specific DRPC satisfaction survey results.
Ask what residents, staff and families reported, what the facility is doing well, what areas need improvement and what steps are being taken to address concerns.
Then, follow up. Families can use the survey to have meaningful conversations with facility leaders and advocate for improvements that affect their loved ones.
Know where to turn
Delaware has several resources available to residents and families:
Every voice matters. Resident, family and employee feedback helps Delaware identify concerns, recognize successes and strengthen long-term care.
Improving long-term care begins with listening — and families have an important voice in making care better.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
