Speak Up: Responses on Delaware Veterans Home in Milford

Staffing shortages have limited the number of residents at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, and earlier this month, 62 veterans resided in the 144-bed facility. During a state budget hearing in February, Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock said the difference between state and private-sector wages makes it challenging to draw a larger pool of staffers. The Eagle’s Law requires staffing levels to meet 3.28 hours of care per resident per day. First waived during the COVID-19 emergency shutdown, it was deferred again this year due to concern about staffing ratios. What questions would you like to have answered concerning the Delaware Veterans Home?

• Why a staff turnover? — Howard Gaines III
• Wait, you mean to tell me we can’t serve our veterans that served us years ago? This is outrageous! Cut out funding for prisons and redirect to veterans homes. This is sad. Veterans should be one of our top priorities. I can’t believe the governor would let this happen. — Vincent Deskiewicz
• The Department of Defense has gobs of money. Get enough from their bursting wallet. — J.J. McGlothlin Jr.
• Yet we have plenty for Ukraine. — Bob Hice
• Bob Hice, good. — J.J. McGlothlin Jr.
• Well, neither do the city employers, yet folks work in a positive environment. It isn’t always about the money. — Howard Gaines III
• Except in most jobs you're not lifting heavy patients, changing diapers, etc. It's hard work that deserves much better pay. — Nabeela Jeanne Black Swartz
• I was a caregiver for my 91-year-old mom. —Howard Gaines III
• Still doesn't change the fact skilled nursing facility staff need and deserve better pay. — Nabeela Jeanne Black Swartz