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. ...
Nursing Homes in Delaware
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Delaware
- Nursing Care Directory for Delaware
- Nursing Care Costs in Delaware
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Delaware
- Delaware Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Delaware
Delaware, one of the smallest states in the country, is also one of the premier retirement destinations. Excellent tax-friendly policies that help seniors retain the bulk of their incomes and fun, touristy destination towns like Rehobeth Beach make Delaware a place where seniors can feel comfortable while living out their golden years. With 45 registered nursing homes throughout the state, there's plenty of options for residents to compare when looking for long-term care, which is unusual in such a small geographic area. Also, Delaware enjoys a moderate and temperate climate, making it less difficult to get around in the winter.
With a population of 973,764 according to the most recent Census Bureau data, it's no surprise that Delaware is senior-friendly since 19.4% of residents are 65 or older. The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, but in most categories, life in The First State is comparable, though health care costs are on the rise. This guide covers some of the most common costs associated with long-term care, rules and regulations surrounding that care and financial assistance programs that may be available to help pay for it.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Delaware
SeniorAdvice scores Delaware well ahead of the curve when it comes to retirement comfort, listing a state SeniorScore of 74 points, or two points higher than the national average. Using more than 100 data points pulled from both public and private databases, the SeniorScore looks at four categories when rating senior-friendly destinations: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life.
Delaware scores lowest in Health & Safety at a respectable 62 points. A higher-than-average crime rate and a slightly lower-than-average life expectancy likely combine to create this lower score. However, in General Quality of Life, Delaware scores similarly, at 64 points, but also has moderate average temperatures of 55.3 degrees with an average low of just 44.9 degrees and a high of 64.5 degrees.
Delaware scores best in the finances category with a 69. The very low tax in most categories helps drive that high score. Property tax is less than half of the national average, and there's no sales tax throughout the state. While income tax is on the high side compared to the rest of the nation, seniors don't pay income taxes on Social Security benefits here, and the first $12,500 in other retirement income is exempt from state income tax.
Top Nursing Care in Delaware
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center is located at 231 South Washington St in Millsboro, Delaware. It is a 181 room skilled nursing facility. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average household income ...
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 ...
Gilpin Hall is a 96 room senior housing community located in Wilmington, Delaware. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median per-family income of $71,671. It has a medium-density population, with roughly 11,000 individuals ...
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. ...
Forwood Manor is a 72 bed senior housing facility. It is located at 1912 Marsh Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. With around 26,000 individuals living in the zip code of 19810, the neighboring area is heavily populated. It ...
Located at 2723 Shipley Rd in Wilmington, Delaware, Shipley Manor is an 82 bed senior care facility. With an average household income of $83,287, the facility is in a largely affluent area. It is densely populated, with approximately ...
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 ...
Churchman Village is located at 4949 Ogletown-stanton Rd in Newark, Delaware. It is a 101 bed senior housing community. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average household income of $54,836. With about ...
Milton and Hattie Kutz Home is a 90 room senior community. It is located at 704 River Rd in Wilmington, Delaware. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with around 15,000 residents in the zip code of 19809. ...
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, ...
Delaware Veterans Home is located at 100 Delaware Veteran's Dr in Milford, Delaware. It is a 150 unit senior community. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with around 20,000 people residing in the 19963 zip code. ...
Located at 4800 Lancaster Pike in Wilmington, Delaware, Weston Senior Living Center at Highfield is a 25 bed senior care community. With roughly 8,000 poeple living in the 19807 zip code, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. ...
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 ...
Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center is a 151 room nursing facility. It is located at 3034 South Dupont Hwy in Smyrna, Delaware. The surrounding area is densely populated, with roughly 24,000 poeple living in the zip code of ...
Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 109 room skilled nursing facility situated in Delmar, Delaware. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average household income of $49,480. It has a sparse population, with ...
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. ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Delaware
According to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey, the cost of nursing home care in Delaware is toward the high end at $12,349 per month, which is $4,593 higher than the national average. However, pricing is fairly comparable to neighboring states. For example, the average in New York is only $30 lower than in Delaware, while New Jersey is $1,095 lower. Pennsylvania and Maryland are the most affordable Delaware neighbors at $10,038 or $10,190, respectively.
- Delaware: $12,349
- United States: $7,756
- New Jersey: $11,254
- Pennsylvania: $10,038
- Maryland: $10,190
- New York: $12,319
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Delaware's Top Cities
Dover, the largest city in Delaware, is the most expensive among cities in and around the state at $12,882. Philadelphia, which is across the state line in Pennsylvania, is close in price at slightly more than $1,500 lower, while Lancaster, another Pennsylvania city, is $1,658 below the cost in Dover. In New Jersey, prices are even more affordable at $10,555 for Ocean City and $10,950 for Vineland. Maryland is the most affordable neighbor for Delaware, at $8,137 for the California region.
- Dover: $12,882
- Philadelphia, PA: $11,285
- Lancaster, PA: $11,224
- Ocean City, NJ: $10,555
- Vineland, NJ: $10,950
- California, MD: $8,137
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Delaware
Nursing home care encompasses the most comprehensive long-term care option for seniors and has a commensurate price tag of $12,349. Memory care is solidly between assisted living and nursing home prices at $8,363. Assisted living averages $6,690. Home health services, which include nursing care or personal care provided at a senior's residence, cost $4,767. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,645 per month.
- Memory Care: $8,363
- Assisted Living: $6,690
- In-Home Care: $4,767
- Home Health Care: $4,767
- Adult Day Care: $1,645
- Nursing Home Care: $12,349
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Delaware
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Delaware.
Medicaid in Delaware
In Delaware, Medicaid expansion provides federal and state-funded health insurance to low-income adults, children and seniors. Both preventive and emergency medical care is included in Medicaid and is offered to enrollees at no cost. For seniors, Medicaid includes programs that may pay for some or all of the costs of skilled nursing care in a facility. Since the expansion of Medicaid coverage, Delaware has reduced its number of uninsured to only 7% of the state population. Medicaid is also how 3 out of 5 nursing home residents meet their financial commitments.
Medicaid Eligibility in Delaware
In Delaware, seniors have several pathways for Medicaid eligibility. Depending on the program, different income limits may apply, and married seniors often have different rules than single seniors. Here is a quick guide to financial eligibility and some of the other rules that may apply when enrolling in Medicaid.
- An individual applicant can earn no more than 250% of the Supplemental Security Income to qualify for aged and infirm Medicaid or the Nursing Facility Program. As of 2021, that is a total monthly income of no more than $1,985. The Spousal Impoverishment Provision allows someone married to a Medicaid enrollee to retain their own income separately, up to a maximum of $3,259.50 per month.
- Assets are capped at $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples when both are applying for Medicaid. When only one spouse is applying, the non-applicant spouse may retain up to $130,380 in countable assets. A home, vehicle, and furnishings are not counted as part of the asset calculation.
- While seniors can earn up to the maximum to qualify for the Nursing Facility Program, all income in excess of a $44 monthly personal needs allowance must be paid directly to the facility.
- To qualify, an applicant must be a legal resident in Delaware and either a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen.
- The Nursing Facility Program also has a functional requirement. It's only available to seniors who need the level of care offered in a nursing home.
Interested seniors can contact Medicaid Customer Relations at (800) 372-2022 or (302) 255-9500. Service centers are also available for in-person assistance throughout the state. Use the DHSS website to find the location that is most convenient.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Delaware Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Delaware requires nursing homes and other residential institutions to meet the standards of all long-term care facilities and additional regulations solely aimed at residential health care facilities. The Department of Health and Social Services is the administrative agency responsible for nursing facility licensing and inspections.
Scope of Care | In Delaware law, a nursing home is defined as an institution that provides continuous nursing services and health and treatment services for those who don't require hospitalization. This care is offered in a residential setting, which gives patients access to a bed, regular meals provided in accordance with any dietary restrictions and programs designed to ensure resident's mental, emotional and physical well-being. Nursing homes must be able to meet the care needs of each patient and may need to have a variety of rehabilitative services on-site, including speech, occupational and physical therapies. Some nursing facilities may offer specialized care options for seniors with Alzheimer's or other dementias. |
Care Planning | Upon admission, nursing facilities must complete a comprehensive needs assessment within 14 days. That assessment includes items such as the resident's background and demographic information, along with a list of their customary routine, cognitive patterns, ability to communicate, vision, mood and behavior patterns, any physical functioning issues, continence, diagnoses, skin condition, activity levels, medications and discharge potential, |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing facilities must provide patients with prescribed medications. Any patient admitted while on nine or more medications must be evaluated within five days of admission to ensure continued use. Nursing facilities may maintain a house stock of over-the-counter drugs kept in a locked cabinet and provided to residents only with a physician's order. A consulting pharmacist is required to prevent unintended drug interactions, and patient medications must be periodically reviewed by the pharmacist. |
Staff Screening | All direct care staff in Delaware nursing homes must be certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, physicians or other licensed health care providers. Before working with patients, facilities must complete a criminal background check, verify all credentials and licenses, check the Adult Abuse Registry, perform drug testing, screen for tuberculosis or other diseases and complete any mandatory in-house service training with each new hire. |
Staff Training | Full-time employees must complete a variety of training programs, including disaster preparation and emergency responses, infection control procedures and the use of personal protective equipment. In addition, employees working with memory care patients require additional training specific to dementia. Direct care workers in a memory care facility must take annual training in communicating with Alzheimer's patients, the psychological, social and physical needs of dementia patients and training in common safety measures used with these patients. |
Medicaid Coverage | Delaware Medicaid's Nursing Facility Program provides financial assistance to seniors in a nursing home setting. Once admitted to a facility while on Medicaid, seniors can't be discharged due to payment disputes. |
Reporting Abuse | In Delaware, where to report an instance of suspected neglect or abuse depends on where a senior lives. For seniors who live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, concerned individuals can call (877) 453-0012 to make a report with the Division of Health Care Quality. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Delaware
The Nursing Home Transition program is administered by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. Individual case management services are offered to all seniors to help them navigate their available benefits. Seniors already living in a nursing home setting can reach out for information about transitioning back into the community, and those facing a transition into an institution can contact the same agency for information and advocacy during the process.
Delaware Agencies
Delaware Department of Health and Human Services
Address: 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone Number: (800) 223-9074
Website: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/
The Delaware Department of Health and Human Services administers the programs and services often most helpful to seniors in the state. It handles applications for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, housing assistance and other financial programs that help lower out-of-pocket costs or provide cash assistance.
Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware
Delaware Area Agencies on Aging are administered through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. There are four offices available to serve seniors throughout Delaware. Each location offers a variety of public and private services to seniors and their families or caregivers. Some common assistance programs include meal deliveries, transportation assistance and counseling to help with insurance and service selection for seniors seeking long-term care options.
Veteran Affairs Office in Delaware
Veterans and their dependents, including a spouse or surviving minor children, may be eligible to claim a variety of benefits. Delaware is home to one regional office, located in Wilmington, to handle benefits claims. Delaware also has an Office of Veterans Services that offers assistance with submitting benefits claims or handling appeals after a claim is denied. Veterans benefits may be available to provide direct cash assistance with the cost of a nursing home.
Social Security Offices in Delaware
The Social Security Administration is the central agency in charge of handling a variety of financial benefits related to retirement. Specifically, enrolling in Medicare, collecting Social Security and applying for Supplemental Security Income are all managed through a local SSA office. Several offices in the state provide in-person assistance and phone help and can be accessed at any time. Seniors can call (800) 772-1213 or visit the website to find the nearest location.
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