See why the First State should be number one on your list while you search for assisted living services. Delaware may not be much more than 100 miles from top to bottom, but what it lacks in area it makes up for in history. Thanks to its proximity to New England, some of the most important cultural centers in the country are just a train ride away. From urban living in Wilmington to rural enclaves with cozier options, this Mid-Atlantic locale has something for everyone looking for assisted living services.
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Cost of assisted living in Delaware vs. nearby states
Cost of assisted living in a selection of Delaware cities
We noticed people seem to be searching for assisted living in these Delaware cities more frequently than others: Hockessin, Middletown, Newark, and Wilmington. We've provided their pricing here.
The cost of assisted living in Delaware
Seniorly 2021 data shows that the average cost of assisted living in Delaware is $5,286 per month. The national average monthly cost is $4,057. The average Delaware cost is over $1,000 a month more than the national average. Keep in mind as you start your senior living search that some areas (particularly those where the cost of living is high) will be more expensive than others. Explore our assisted living listings to start comparing properties, or get in touch with one of our local advisors to get expert advice on what you can afford in the areas in which you’re interested.
Assisted living communities can provide the peace of mind that comes from not worrying about home maintenance, chores, or errands, as well as help with personal care like grooming, eating, and other activities of daily living seniors might have trouble with. However, if your loved one requires nursing care, or has diagnosed Alzheimer's or dementia that has progressed to a certain point, they might need a skilled nursing facility/home health care, or memory care community instead. These types of care providers (and for that matter, in-home care) might cost more in Delaware than assisted living facilities, but the important thing is that your loved one’s needs are cared for in order to provide them with the best quality of life.
If your loved one currently lives in a retirement community, ask whether it is a Continuing Care Retirement Community: these senior living properties are generally designed for residents to age in place. Seniors can get the different levels of care they need, from independent living to memory care, without having to move to a different community altogether.
Financial assistance for assisted living in Delaware
Medicaid options for Delaware seniors
According to benefits.gov, to be eligible for Delaware Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of Delaware, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be one of the following:
Pregnant, or
Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
Blind, or
Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
Be 65 years of age or older.
Delaware's Medicaid health care program provides medical assistance to eligible Delaware low-income families and to eligible aged, blind, and/or disabled people who cannot afford necessary medical services on their income. It is supported by State and Federal funding and designed to help a wide variety of families and individuals who need assistance.
There are a few non-Medicaid assistance programs in Delaware, including the Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP). Many other programs are facilitated by the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), including nursing home transition services, nutrition services and support, access to specialized equipment, and support for caregivers. For more ways to find assisted living help, check the “Free assisted living resources in Delaware” section below.
More ways to finance assisted living in Delaware
There are several options available to finance assisted living for yourself or a loved one. Long-term care can be financed several ways:
Life insurance - Some life insurance policies have a provision for long-term care benefits.
Long-term care insurance - This type of insurance is intended to cover long-term health care needs by covering costs for assisted living or long-term care communities.
Pensions, 401K, and IRA - If you have a pension, 401k, or an IRA to fall back upon this would be a great benefit in paying for assisted living costs.
Real Estate - Having a home is a great source of income. When it is time to move into assisted living the sale proceeds from your home can cover the costs.
Veteran’s benefits - While the VA will not directly cover the costs of assisted living, you can obtain help from the VA under the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits. The Aid & Attendance benefits helps eligible veterans and their surviving spouses to pay for assistance for assistance of daily living (ADLs) activities. Aid & Attendance benefits are often referred to by other names such as “improved pension,” “VA assisted living benefit,” or “veterans elder care benefits.”
Free assisted living resources in Delaware
Delaware residents can explore state resources that can help answer your questions about eligibility for certain types of benefits and how they might apply to assisted living.
