Free long-term care resources for Delaware families

    Delaware Long-Term Care
    Everything Your Family Needs in One Place.

    Navigating long-term care in Delaware is complicated — Medicaid rules, care costs, and senior services all have their own language, and it's hard to know who to turn to or who you can trust. We've organized everything Delaware families need into one free guide — including connections to vetted providers who can help ease the burden.

    Built around your situation and Delaware's specific programs and rules.

    Always free for familiesNo Hidden FeesSecure and Confidential
    Understanding long-term care in Delaware

    What Delaware families need to know before making care decisions.

    Long-term care in Delaware is more complex than most families expect. With Medicaid managed care programs like Diamond State Health Plan Plus, home care options, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities across Delaware's 3 counties — each with its own costs and availability — navigating the system takes real effort.

    Every family's situation is different. Some are facing a decision right now. Others are planning ahead. Many are already caring for a loved one at home and wondering what help is available. Whatever your situation, knowing what Delaware offers and what fits your family makes every decision clearer.

    We've organized every Delaware-specific resource, tool, and guide in one place so Delaware families can stop searching and start planning. Everything here is free.

    $14,494/mo

    Nursing Home — Semi-Private

    $2,485/mo

    Medicaid Income Limit

    28

    Senior Service Resources

    Not sure where to start with long-term care in Delaware?

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    Delaware care costs

    What long-term care actually costs in Delaware.

    Delaware's long-term care costs are well above national averages. Nursing home care averages $14,494/month — roughly 51% above the U.S. average — while assisted living averages $7,600/month. Costs can vary between the Wilmington metro area and more rural Sussex County.

    Understanding the full range of care types — from adult day care to private-room nursing homes — helps families plan realistically. Most families use multiple types of care as needs change over time.

    Use the calculator below to explore Delaware care costs in detail and project how they'll grow over time with a 3% annual inflation rate.

    Nursing Home — Private

    $15,132/mo

    Nursing Home — Semi-Private

    $14,494/mo

    Assisted Living

    $7,600/mo

    Memory Care

    $9,500/mo

    Estimated (AL × 1.25)

    Home Care

    $6,673/mo

    $35/hr (nat'l avg: $35/hr)

    Adult Day Care

    $2,193/mo

    Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)

    Calculate Your Delaware Costs

    State-specific data · Inflation projection · Total estimate

    Use the sliders below to adjust years, inflation, and projection period

    1 yr15 yrs
    1%7%
    Now30 yrs

    Not sure how long you'll need care? Get full insights into when you may need care, what kind, and for how long — personalized to your health and finances.

    Start Your Full Care Planning Assessment →

    Your Cost Estimate

    Today's Monthly Cost

    $15,132/mo

    NH Private Room · Delaware

    Monthly Cost Today

    $15,132/mo

    3% inflation · 3 years of care

    Monthly cost today$15,132
    Care begins2026 (now)
    Years of care3 years
    Inflation rate3% annually
    Total estimated cost$561,258
    🏠

    Don't rush to sell the home

    Bridge loans, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages can fund care without selling.

    📈

    Care costs rise 3–5% annually

    Factor long-term inflation into all planning models.

    ⚖️

    Medicaid lookback is 5 years

    Planning must begin well before care is needed to protect assets.

    Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)

    * AK NH Private Room: A Place For Mom. ADC — DE: Genworth; DC: PayingForSeniorCare; ID: MedicaidLongTermCare.org; SD: Genworth; VT: VT Adult Services Div.; WV: CareCostIndex.com.

    View Full Delaware Care Cost Breakdown →View National Care Cost Breakdown →

    Understanding costs is the first step. Next, let's explore how Delaware Medicaid can help cover them — and what financial planning options are available.

    Significantly — assisted living in Delaware averages $7,600/month compared to $14,494/month for a nursing home semi-private room, a savings of nearly $7,000/month. For seniors who need help with daily activities but not round-the-clock skilled nursing, assisted living can provide the right care at roughly half the cost. Delaware's DSHP Plus program can cover assisted living care costs for Medicaid-eligible residents, making it even more affordable. Use the cost calculator above to compare all care types.

    Delaware's care costs vary by region. The Wilmington and northern New Castle County area — influenced by the Philadelphia metro market — tends to have higher nursing home and assisted living rates than Kent and Sussex counties in central and southern Delaware. However, Delaware is a small state with only 3 counties, so cost variation is narrower than in larger states. Home care rates are relatively consistent statewide at approximately $6,673/month for full-time care. The calculator above shows statewide averages — contact local providers for exact pricing.

    Adult day care in Delaware is not widely reported in cost surveys, but the national average is approximately $2,058/month — making it the most affordable supervised care option by a wide margin. Adult day programs provide structured daytime activities, meals, health monitoring, and socialization for seniors who live with family caregivers. It's ideal for working families: a caregiver goes to work while their loved one attends a safe, stimulating program during the day. Delaware's DSHP Plus LTCCS program may cover adult day care costs for Medicaid-eligible participants.

    See your care options and costs based on your situation

    Delaware Medicaid

    Understanding Delaware Medicaid long-term care coverage — and whether your family qualifies.

    Delaware Medicaid is administered by the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA). Long-term care is provided through the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus), which replaced traditional HCBS waivers with a managed care system — meaning there are no enrollment caps or waiting lists for community-based services.

    Delaware's Medicaid income limit for nursing home care is $2,485/month for a single applicant. The state has a 5-year look-back period and an asset limit of $2,000 for individuals. Delaware also uses Qualified Income Trusts for applicants whose income exceeds the limit.

    Use the Medicaid tool below to check eligibility, understand Delaware's specific rules, and explore planning strategies.

    Income Limit — Single

    $2,485 / month*

    Income Limit — Married (one applying)

    $2,485 / month for applicant*

    Asset Limit — Single

    $2,000

    Asset Limit — Married (one applying)

    $2,000 for applicant & $162,660 for non-applicant

    Look-Back Period

    60 months (5 years)

    Estate Recovery

    Yes — Delaware seeks reimbursement after death

    Medicaid programs available in Delaware

    Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus)

    This managed care program includes the Nursing Facility Program and Long Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) Program. Benefits via LTCCS may include adult day care, meal delivery, minor home modifications, respite care, personal emergency response systems, and more. Self-direction of personal care assistance is available, allowing one to hire friends and relatives, including a spouse or adult child, as caregivers.

    Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

    Combines the benefits of Medicaid, including long-term care services, and Medicare into one program. Additional benefits such as dental and eye care may be available.

    Long-term care Medicaid guide

    Eligibility · Caregiver pay · How to apply · 2026 data

    Important: Rates vary — contact your state Medicaid office for current figures. This tool provides general guidance, not legal or financial advice.

    Compare Medicaid Programs — Delaware

    How the main LTC programs available in Delaware compare side by side.

    Delaware does not have a general Structured Family Caregiving program. Consumer-directed hourly pay is the primary Medicaid option for family caregivers.
    ProgramPayPay typeTax-free?Spouse OK?Waitlist?
    Consumer-directed HCBS$15–18/hrHourly wageNoUsually noOften
    Structured Family Caregiving (SFC)Not in DelawareDaily stipendYesUsually noOften
    Personal Care AgreementMarket rate (from assets)Private payNoYesNo
    VA Aid & AttendanceUp to $2,874/moMonthly pensionYesYesNo

    Delaware Medicaid programs

    1

    Diamond State Health Plan Plus

    2026 policy warning: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) cuts federal Medicaid spending by ~$911 billion over 10 years. HCBS waiver waitlists are expected to grow significantly. Apply as early as possible — do not wait for a crisis.

    Sources: KFF (Jan 2026), medicaidplanningassistance.org (Feb 2026). Programs and rates change — verify with your state Medicaid office.

    Sources

    Educational guidance only — not legal or financial advice. Your state Medicaid office determines actual eligibility.

    View Full Delaware Medicaid Guide →Compare Medicaid Eligibility Across All States →

    Medicaid figures: 2026 federal/state guidelines

    Beyond Medicaid, Delaware has a network of senior services and programs that can help your family. Let's explore what's available in your county.

    Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) is Delaware's managed care program for long-term care Medicaid. Unlike most states that use traditional HCBS waivers with enrollment caps and waiting lists, Delaware's DSHP Plus provides community-based services — including home care, assisted living, adult day care, and personal emergency response systems — through managed care organizations with no enrollment caps. This means eligible Delawareans can access community-based long-term care without waiting, a significant advantage over waiver-based states.

    Delaware uses a $2,485/month income limit for Nursing Home and HCBS Medicaid (2026), which is lower than the $2,982 limit used by the majority of states. Applicants whose income exceeds this limit can still qualify by establishing a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also called a Miller Trust. A QIT is an irrevocable trust that deposits excess income into a restricted account, effectively bringing countable income below the threshold. A trustee manages the funds, which can only be used for medical expenses. An elder law attorney can set up a QIT relatively quickly and affordably.

    Yes — Delaware's DSHP Plus program includes self-directed personal care assistance, which allows Medicaid beneficiaries to hire friends and relatives — including a spouse or adult child — as paid caregivers. The beneficiary (or their representative) acts as the employer, selecting, training, and scheduling their own caregiver. This is one of the more flexible caregiver compensation programs in the Northeast. Eligibility requires meeting DSHP Plus financial and functional criteria. Use the caregiver compensation tool on this page to check your family's eligibility.
    Delaware senior services

    Community services and aging programs available to Delaware seniors — most families never find all of them.

    Delaware's 3 Area Agencies on Aging — one for each county (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) — coordinate free and low-cost community programs including home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, caregiver respite, legal aid, benefits counseling, and home safety modifications.

    Beyond AAAs, Delaware funds programs through the Older Americans Act and state revenue that cover adult protective services, ombudsman advocacy, senior center programming, and employment assistance for older adults.

    Use the service finder to discover which programs serve your Delaware county — or browse the full directory for statewide and local listings.

    Home-Delivered Meals & Nutrition

    Programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate dining at senior centers — available to Delaware seniors through local Area Agencies on Aging.

    Transportation & Mobility

    Non-emergency medical transport, volunteer driver programs, and reduced-fare transit for Delaware seniors who no longer drive.

    Caregiver Support & Respite

    Respite care, support groups, training, and the National Family Caregiver Support Program — helping Delaware caregivers avoid burnout.

    Benefits Counseling & Legal Aid

    Free SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Medicare counseling, Medicaid application help, and legal assistance for elder law issues like guardianship and advance directives in Delaware.

    Question 1 of 40% complete
    1Step 1 of 4

    Select your county

    This helps us find your local Area Agency on Aging

    View All Delaware Senior Services →Find Senior Services in a Different State →

    Links verified June 2026 · Always call to confirm current availability

    In addition to government programs, Delaware has a strong network of nonprofit organizations that can help — many offering free services most families never discover.

    Each of Delaware's 3 Area Agencies on Aging serves one county: New Castle County (the most populated, including Wilmington), Kent County (Dover area), and Sussex County (southern Delaware, largely rural). While all three offer core services — meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits counseling — the mix of programs and providers differs. New Castle has the largest concentration of providers and urban transportation options. Sussex County emphasizes rural outreach and volunteer driver programs. Kent County's AAA serves as the primary link between Dover-area seniors and state services. Use the finder above to see exactly which programs serve your county.

    Yes — Delaware's Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) coordinates home modification programs for seniors who need safety upgrades to remain at home. Available modifications can include grab bars, stair rails, wheelchair ramps, roll-in showers, and widened doorways. Eligibility is typically based on age (60+), income, and functional need. Delaware's DSHP Plus LTCCS program also covers minor home modifications for Medicaid-eligible participants. Contact the Delaware ADRC at 1-800-223-9074 for a free assessment.

    The Delaware Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a single point of entry for seniors and people with disabilities seeking long-term care information. Staff provide free, unbiased help with understanding available programs, screening for Medicaid and benefit eligibility, connecting with local services, and navigating transitions from hospital to home. The ADRC serves all three counties and can be reached at 1-800-223-9074. It's often the best first call for Delaware families who don't know where to start.
    Delaware nonprofit resources

    Nonprofit and community organizations helping Delaware families — free help most families never find.

    Delaware has a dedicated network of nonprofit organizations serving seniors and their families — from legal aid societies and caregiver support groups to Alzheimer's Association chapters and community action agencies.

    Many Delaware nonprofits offer free services including benefits counseling, caregiver training, support groups, and emergency assistance. Your zip code determines which organizations serve your area.

    Use the nonprofit finder below to search for organizations that match your family's specific needs.

    Disease-Specific Support

    Nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, cancer, and other conditions that require long-term care. Delaware chapters offer helplines, support groups, respite programs, and education to help families navigate diagnosis and care planning.

    Legal Aid for Seniors

    Free legal assistance with Medicaid applications, advance directives, power of attorney, guardianship, and elder abuse cases through Delaware's legal aid societies.

    Caregiver & Family Support

    Nonprofit organizations providing caregiver training, respite coordination, support groups, and counseling for Delaware families — because caregivers need care too.

    Community Action & Emergency Aid

    Community action agencies and charitable organizations offering emergency financial assistance, utility help, food pantries, and crisis intervention for Delaware seniors.

    Question 1 of 5
    1Step 1 of 5

    Who needs help?

    This helps us personalize your results

    Search All Nonprofits in Delaware →Find Nonprofits in a Different State →

    Don't hesitate to contact multiple organizations — many have overlapping services and can refer you to others. Every conversation gets you closer to the help your family needs.

    The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter serves all of Delaware with a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), free caregiver support groups, educational workshops, and care consultation. Delaware also has the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center which can connect families with dementia-specific community programs. The University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies offers additional resources. For families dealing with early-stage memory concerns, ChristianaCare and Bayhealth both operate memory assessment clinics with social work support.

    Delaware Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) provides free legal assistance with Medicaid applications, benefit denials, Social Security issues, and advance directives for income-eligible seniors. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), operated through Delaware's ADRC, offers free Medicare and supplemental insurance counseling. Each county's AAA also has trained benefits counselors who help seniors apply for programs they may not know they qualify for — including SNAP, LIHEAP, and property tax relief. Call the ADRC at 1-800-223-9074 to get started.

    For suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult aged 18+, call the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) Adult Protective Services hotline at 1-800-223-9074. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency crisis support — such as sudden caregiver unavailability, food insecurity, or housing issues — call Delaware 211 for referrals to local emergency resources. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (1-877-453-0012) handles complaints about care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
    More tools for Delaware families

    Additional resources every Delaware family should know about.

    Medicare, Veterans benefits, caregiver compensation programs, and financial planning tools are available to every Delaware family — and understanding them early can save thousands in long-term care costs.

    Medicare Guide

    • What does Medicare actually cover for long-term care?
    • What happens when Medicare runs out?

    Understand exactly what Medicare covers for long-term care, for how long, and what your Delaware family needs to plan for when coverage ends.

    Veterans Benefits

    • Does my parent qualify for VA long-term care benefits?
    • What is the Aid and Attendance benefit?

    Find every veterans benefit available for long-term care — including programs most Delaware families never know to ask about.

    Caregiver Compensation

    • Can I get paid to care for my own parent in Delaware?
    • How much do caregiver programs pay?

    Find out if you qualify to be paid as a family caregiver in Delaware — and exactly how to apply.

    Financial Planning Tools

    • How do we pay for care without losing everything?
    • What financial strategies protect our assets?

    Explore every financial strategy available to Delaware families — from spend-down planning to long-term care insurance and asset protection.

    Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay — up to 100 days with cost sharing after day 20. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care — the ongoing personal care most seniors eventually need. Use our Medicare guide to see your complete coverage picture.

    Veterans may qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension — up to $2,874 per month for a veteran with spouse — as well as VA community living centers, home-based primary care, and adult day health care programs. Eligibility depends on service history, discharge status, and financial need. Use our veterans guide to check your family's eligibility.

    Possibly yes. Delaware has Medicaid programs that may allow eligible individuals to hire a family member — including an adult child — as a paid caregiver. The rules vary by program. Use our caregiver compensation tool to check what programs exist in Delaware.

    Most families use a combination of personal savings, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, life insurance conversion, and annuities. The right combination depends on your family's financial situation, timeline, and Delaware's specific rules. Our financial planning tools help you map every option available.
    Care connections — Delaware Coming soon

    Finding the right people to help your Delaware family.

    When it matters most, nothing replaces someone who truly understands your family. Care Connections will match your Delaware family with vetted local professionals based on your zip code and your specific situation. No cold calls. No pressure. Just the right introduction at the right time.

    Tell us what your family needs and we'll notify you the moment Care Connections is available in your Delaware county.

    Helps us match you with professionals in your county

    We'll notify you when Care Connections is available

    No spam. Just a heads up when it's ready for your area.

    Several types of professionals can help — and the right one depends on what your family needs most right now. An elder law attorney helps with Medicaid planning, asset protection, power of attorney, and legal documents — essential if Medicaid is a consideration. A geriatric care manager coordinates care, evaluates facilities, and helps families navigate difficult decisions — especially useful when family members live far apart. A SHIP counselor provides free, unbiased Medicare and insurance counseling — no sales, just answers. A financial planner with elder care expertise helps families understand how to pay for care and protect assets. A life planner (or life care planner) takes a holistic approach — looking beyond finances and medical needs to help families create a long-term roadmap that considers lifestyle goals, housing preferences, social well-being, and future care transitions. Life planning ensures your loved one's values and wishes stay at the center of every decision. Care Connections will match your family with vetted professionals in your area when it launches.

    Home care — also called personal care or custodial care — provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, and companionship. Home care is generally not covered by Medicare but may be covered by Medicaid waiver programs. Home health — also called skilled home health — provides medical services at home including skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Home health is covered by Medicare when ordered by a doctor after a qualifying event and when the patient is homebound. Most families need both at different stages — home health for short-term medical recovery and home care for ongoing daily support.

    A regular estate attorney focuses on what happens to your assets after you die — wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and probate. An elder law attorney focuses on what happens to your assets while you are alive but need care — Medicaid planning, asset protection, spend-down planning, guardianship, and long-term care funding. If Medicaid eligibility is a consideration, an elder law attorney is essential. Most families navigating long-term care need an elder law attorney — even if they already have a will and trust in place.

    Finding the right assisted living community is more than comparing prices — it's about matching your loved one's care needs, personality, and preferences with the right environment. A senior living placement specialist (also called an advisor or consultant) helps families identify communities that fit — based on care level, location, budget, and availability. Many placement services are free to families because the communities pay the referral fee. A geriatric care manager can evaluate your loved one's needs, tour communities with you, and coordinate the move-in process — especially valuable when families are managing the transition from a hospital or rehab stay. A good placement professional doesn't just find a bed — they help ensure the transition is smooth, the care plan is right, and your family feels confident on move-in day. Care Connections will match your family with trusted placement professionals in your area when it launches.
    Your free long-term care snapshot

    You've seen what Delaware has to offer. Now see how it all fits your family's specific situation.

    Every section above gives you one piece of your Delaware picture — what care costs near you, whether Medicaid might help, what senior services and nonprofits are available, and what other programs your family might qualify for.

    But each piece only tells part of the story.

    The free personalized care snapshot puts all the pieces together — your health situation, your financial picture, your timeline, and the Delaware-specific options available to your family. It takes about 8 questions and 1 minute.

    Most families who complete the snapshot tell us it's the first time they've felt like they actually understood their situation. That's what it's designed to do.

    Family members supporting each other through care planning

    Who needs help?

    Tell us who you're planning care for.

    The next questions will be about whoever you choose above — answer for them, not yourself (unless this is for you).

    Step 1 of 8
    ✓ Takes about 1 minute✓ Free — no credit card ever

    Your care snapshot is a personalized summary of your family's long-term care situation — built from your answers to 8 questions about health, finances, and timeline. It covers your care level, how long care may be needed, your financial runway, your Medicaid planning timeline, and your health trajectory. It's free, takes about 1 minute, and gives your family a clear picture of where things stand right now.

    Every snapshot is built from your specific answers — your loved one's health and care needs, your family's financial picture, your timeline, and Delaware's specific Medicaid rules and programs. Two Delaware families with different situations will see completely different snapshots. The more accurately you answer, the more useful your snapshot will be.

    A free account — no credit card, ever — saves your snapshot and generates your complete personalized care plan. Your plan includes step-by-step action items specific to your situation, a document checklist tailored to Delaware, all your tool results connected in one place, a shareable summary for family meetings or advisor appointments, and predictions for when care may be needed and how long it may last. Creating an account takes about 60 seconds.

    Everything your Delaware family needs — in one place.

    Free tools, Delaware-specific resources, a personalized care snapshot, and connections to the right people. All organized for Delaware families. All completely free.

    Built around your situation and Delaware's specific programs and rules.

    Delaware Long-Term Care Planning Guide

    Read our in-depth article on elder care demographics, costs, and Medicaid planning in Delaware

    Start planning before you're forced to decide

    Always free • No sales pressure • Built for families

    Long-term care resources for neighboring states

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    Last updated: March 2026