Memory Care in Delaware
Delaware has a large senior population. Out of the state's 973,764 residents, 19.4% are aged 65 and over. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 3,300 people aged 65-74 in the state are living with Alzheimer's. It's thought that across all ages, including those aged 75 and over, a total of 19,000 people in the state are living with the condition. This figure is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2025.
Memory care helps those living with Alzheimer's or dementia feel safe and comfortable and ensures that their day-to-day needs are being met. Seniors living in memory care facilities are given help with the activities of daily living and are encouraged to remain as independent as possible, which can improve their cognitive abilities and health. The average monthly cost for memory care in Delaware is $7,544, which is higher than the national average of $5,064. However, the higher cost of living is offset by the quality of life that this coastal state offers. This guide considers the cost of memory care in Delaware, the financial support available to seniors and the resources available to help seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia maintain a high quality of life.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Delaware
SeniorScore is a measure of how appealing a state may be for seniors based on four categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. The score is based on numerous metrics taken from government and public databases to give readers an idea of how each state compares with other places across the country in the same categories.
The SeniorScore for Delaware is 74, which is slightly higher than the national average of 72. The state scores 64 for General Quality of Life thanks to its moderate climate, which makes it a good option for seniors who don't want to deal with very hot or cold conditions. Delaware scores 69 for Finances. The lack of sales tax and the lower-than-average property taxes are a plus for many seniors, but the state also has a higher-than-average cost of living.
In terms of Health & Safety, the state scores 62. There's a very high number of Medicare-registered health care providers in Delaware, and there's ample choice of hospitals and long-term care providers too. The average life expectancy of residents, however, is 78.4 years, which is slightly below the national average of 78.6. Seniors can take advantage of a variety of leisure opportunities as reflected by the state's score of 66 in the Recreation & Leisure category. There are 36 golf courses in the state, along with many parks and nature reserves as well as 860 churches. Seniors make up a significant portion of the population, which means that it should be easy for older residents to connect with their peers.
Top Memory Care Communities in Delaware
Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek is a 130 room nursing care facility. It is situated near the North Star neighborhood of Wilmington, Delaware. With a median per-household income of $71,470, the community is in a mostly middle income area. ...
Cadia Rehabilitation Silverside is a 120 unit nursing home facility. It is located at 3322 Silverside Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 26,000 residents in the 19810 zip code. It ...
Located at 1080 Silver Lake Blvd in Dover, Delaware, Silver Lake Center is a 120 bed senior community. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with a median per-household income of $53,203. With approximately 35,000 people ...
Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehab Center is a 172 unit skilled nursing facility. It is located at 6525 Lancaster Pike in Hockessin, Delaware. The facility is in a predominantly upper class area, with a median per-household income of ...
Cadia Rehabilitation Broadmeadow is a 120 bed nursing facility. It is located at 500 South Broad St in Middletown, Delaware. The community is in a generally upper class area, with an average family income of $84,884. With ...
Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is located at 1900 Lovering Ave in Wilmington, Delaware. It is a 106 room nursing home facility. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with a median family income of $71,671. ...
Located at 1212 Foulk Rd in Wilmington, Delaware, Foulk Manor North is a 40 room senior community. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 22,000 residents in the 19803 zip code. It is a mostly wealthier area, ...
Manorcare Health Services - Wilmington is a 138 bed nursing home facility situated in Wilmington, Delaware. The community is in a largely upper class area, with an average per-household income of $96,953. It is heavily populated, with roughly ...
Located at 4031 Kennett Pike in Greenville, Delaware, Stonegates is a 49 unit senior housing community. The community is in a primarily well-to-do area, with an average household income of $133,475. With about 8,000 people residing in the ...
Lofland Park Center is a 110 room senior care community located in Seaford, Delaware. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 25,000 people residing in the 19973 zip code. With an average household income of $45,439, ...
Brackenville Center is a 104 bed senior community. It is situated around the North Star area of Hockessin, Delaware. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 17,000 residents in the zip code of 19707. ...
Hillside Center is a 106 unit senior housing community. It is located at 810 South Broom St in Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with a median family income of $46,000. It ...
Milford Center is a 136 room senior housing facility located in Milford, Delaware. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 20,000 poeple living in the zip code of 19963. It is a predominantly middle income ...
Located at 110 W North St in Georgetown, Delaware, Harrison Senior Living of Georgetown is a 139 bed senior community. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average household income of $46,488. It has ...
Parkview Nursing & Rehabilitation is a 150 bed nursing facility located in Wilmington, Delaware. The community is in a generally middle income area, with an average household income of $46,000. It has a dense population, with approximately 42,000 ...
Manorcare Health Services - Pike Creek is a 167 room nursing facility. It is located close to the North Star area of Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average per-household ...
Regency Healthcare and Rehab Center is a 100 room nursing care facility. It is located at 801 N Broom St in Wilmington, Delaware. With an average per-household income of $71,671, the facility is in a primarily middle income ...
Arbors at New Castle is a 120 unit senior community situated in New Castle, Delaware. With approximately 60,000 individuals residing in the 19720 zip code, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is a mostly middle class area, ...
Located at 301 Ocean View Blvd in Lewes, Delaware, Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation is a 179 unit nursing care facility. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with a median family income of $54,453. With around ...
Courtland Manor is a 70 room senior care community located in Dover, Delaware. With roughly 36,000 individuals residing in the 19901 zip code, the neighboring area is heavily populated. It is a predominantly middle class area, with an ...
The Cost of Memory Care in Delaware
Memory care services typically cost 20-30% more than assisted living in any given area due to the more in-depth and personal nature of the care provided. There are no authoritative listings of average memory care prices across the country, so we have calculated average fees based on assisted living data from the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey 2019 and then added 25% to those fees to estimate memory care pricing.
Memory care fees in Delaware are almost 50% above the national average; however, Delaware is not the most expensive state on the East Coast or in the Mid-Atlantic region. Average fees in New Jersey are higher at $8,000 per month. Memory care services in Virginia are also above the national average at $6,000 per month. Fees in Maryland are closer to the U.S. median, and Pennsylvania is the most affordable neighboring state with typical monthly memory care costs of $4,981.
- Delaware: $7,544
- United States: $5,064
- Virginia: $6,000
- New Jersey: $8,000
- Maryland: $5,375
- Pennsylvania: $4,981
The Cost of Memory Care in Delaware's Top Cities
Fees for memory care vary based on the size of the facility, the type of services offered and the location. The cost of memory care in Dover is higher than other parts of the state at $7,725 per month. Across the border in Salisbury, Maryland, memory care fees are slightly lower at $6,563 per month. Vineland, New Jersey, has memory care fees that are far lower than the average for that state with seniors paying just $5,750 per month for these services. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, fees are higher than the state average but are still more affordable than Delaware at $6,094 per month.
- Delaware: $7,544
- Dover: $7,725
- Salisbury, MD: $6,563
- Vineland, NJ: $5,750
- Philadelphia, PA: $6,094
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Delaware
Seniors have a variety of care choices, including assisted living, in-home care with or without health services, adult day care and nursing home care. Of these, adult day care services are the most affordable with an average cost of $1,797 per month for care delivered in a group setting during working hours. In-home care costs an average of $4,671 per month for both day-to-day homemaker services and limited medical support provided in a home setting. Assisted living services, which include room and board in addition to help with the activities of daily living, cost $6,035 per month. Memory care costs are higher at $7,544 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive option because seniors requiring nursing home placement usually require around-the-clock support.
- Memory Care: $7,544
- Assisted Living: $6,035
- In-Home Care: $4,671
- Home Health Care: $4,671
- Adult Day Care: $1,797
- Nursing Home Care: $10,897
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Delaware
Diamond State Health Plan Plus
Address: DHSS Herman Holloway Campus, Lewis Building, 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone Number: (302) 255-9500
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/contact.html
The Diamond State Health Plan Plus is a Medicaid program available in the state of Delaware that provides funds for those who are elderly or on a low income. These funds can be used to cover the cost of personal services in a variety of settings, including memory care at an assisted living facility. The sub-program for assisted living is called Long Term Care Community Services and offers help with the activities of daily living but doesn't pay for room and board. To qualify, seniors must be Medicaid eligible and pass income and asset checks. Seniors can apply via their nearest DHSS office.
VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
Address: 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904
Phone Number: (302) 739-2792
Website: https://vets.delaware.govhttps://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/contact.html
The VA Aid and Attendance pension program covers veterans and their surviving spouses. The program provides additional funds on top of the basic veteran's pension and is open to disabled adults who require assistance with the activities of daily living. Veterans are permitted to put the funds towards the cost of memory care. Residential care fees may be deductible, which can reduce the person's declared income and therefore increase the benefits they are able to claim. Those wishing to apply the VA Aid and Attendance payment can contact the Delaware Office of Veterans Services for more information.
Delaware Memory Care Rules and Regulations
Long-term care providers in Delaware must follow regulations set by the DHSS Health Care Quality Division that describe care plans, the scope of care, abuse reporting and other items that are essential for seniors' well-being. These rules exist for the protection of seniors and to ensure that everyone receives a high standard of care.
Scope of Care | Memory care providers can accept residents who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease and who require room, board and supervision. Providers may also offer intermittent nursing care for no more than 90 consecutive days. Seniors who are bedridden for periods of more than 14 days at a time, are medically unstable or require a higher level of care are not eligible to remain in a memory care facility. |
Care Plan Requirements | A preadmission assessment is required for all new residents who are entering a memory care facility for the first time. This assessment must be reviewed within 30 days of admission. The process must be performed by a registered nurse and forms the basis of a needs assessment and care plan. |
Medication Management Requirements | As a part of the admission assessment, the nurse must determine whether the patient is capable of self-administering medications. Caregivers who are licensed medical professionals or trained in medication management may assist with self-administration where necessary. |
Staff Screening Requirements | A background check is required for all staff who are working with vulnerable adults. A person with a conviction that could pose a threat to vulnerable adults is not eligible for employment at a memory care facility. |
Staff Training Requirements | Caregivers must complete a course covering patient rights, first aid, safety, infection control and other basic care procedures. Those who have regular direct contact with memory care patients must complete 12 hours of training per year relating to Alzheimer's and dementia care. |
Medicaid Coverage | The Diamond State Health Plan Plus can cover part of the cost of memory care services delivered at assisted living facilities, but it doesn't cover room and board. |
Reporting Abuse | Concerns about elder abuse, neglect or exploitation can be reported to Adult Protective Services at (800) 223-9074. |
Free Memory Care Resources in Delaware
Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley
The Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley supports those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. It runs regular support groups, educational sessions for seniors and their caregivers, awareness sessions and other community events. In addition to in-person support groups, the association also maintains an online community where those living with or affected by Alzheimer's can get advice and assistance.
State Agencies
Division of Services for Aging Adults With Physical Disabilities
Phone Number: (800) 223-9074
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/
The DSAAPD offers a variety of services to support older adults, those with disabilities and their caregivers. It runs the Long Term Care Ombudsman, which receives and investigates complaints about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and protects the well-being of seniors who are living in memory care facilities. It also oversees individual Area Agencies on Aging. Some services are delivered directly by DSAAPD staff while others are funded through the DSAAPD but delivered by third-parties. Programs are open to Delaware residents and are typically free of charge.
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center
Phone Number: (800) 223-9074
Website: http://www.delawareadrc.com
This Aging and Disability Resource Center serves as a main contact point for information and services available to seniors and those living with disabilities in Delaware. It provides signposting and support for seniors and their caregivers, including information about health screening services, home adaptations, Alzheimer's support groups, financial assistance and other local services. Resources are available free of charge.
Legal Services Program
Phone Number: (302) 575-0666
Website: http://www.declasi.org/elder-law-program/
The Delaware Legal Services Program is delivered by the Community Legal Aid Society Inc. The program provides legal aid to Delaware residents aged 60 and over and supports them with a variety of civil law cases, including powers of attorney and advanced care directives for those living with Alzheimer's or dementia. There are no financial eligibility requirements for the program.
Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware
Delaware Area Agencies on Aging provide support for seniors, including assistance with benefits and Social Security, healthy aging programs, case management, caregiver training and other day-to-day supports. There are several Aging and Disability Resource Centers operated by Area Agencies on Aging across the state. All Delaware seniors are eligible for support from AAAs regardless of their income.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Delaware
Veterans are at an increased risk of Alzheimer's and dementia compared to the general population. Former servicemen and women who have a disabling medical condition may be eligible for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits. These benefits can be used to pay for memory care. Seniors who would like to learn more about the pensions and benefits available to former service people and their surviving spouses can contact their local Veterans Affairs Office.
Social Security Offices in Delaware
Seniors who are eligible for Social Security may be able to claim an additional $140 per month to cover the cost of room and board at an assisted living facility. The Social Security Administration also handles retirement and disability benefits and Medicare enrollment. Use the Social Security Office Locator to find the nearest Delaware location.