The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Dover, DE for 2024

Dover, Delaware, is located near the center of the state along the St. Jones River. The city is home to around 39,000 residents and people aged 65 and over make up 16.7% of the population, which is on par with the national average. The cost of living in Dover is relatively low, especially compared to other areas of Delaware, making it an attractive option for seniors on a budget. Seniors can access high-quality medical providers such as Bayhealth Kent General Hospital.

Home care in the city costs an average of $5,339 per month according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This provides personal care in the home but unlike home health care, it doesn’t offer medical services.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Dover– complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

The average price of home care in Dover is $5,339, according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This is equal to Delaware’s state average but slightly higher than the national average. Dover is the only city in Delaware that has average prices available, but comparisons to cities in nearby states can help seniors assess affordability. To the west of Dover in Salisbury, Maryland, the cost is equal to the national average. North in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs are in line with Dover’s, while east in Ocean City, New Jersey, seniors pay almost $200 more than in Dover.

In Dover, the costs of home care and home health care are the same. Despite their equivalent cost, home health care provides additional light medical services, such as monitoring vital signs and administering medication. Adult day care is another option for seniors who want to remain living at home and is the most affordable choice. Residential care options are more expensive than home care in the city; the cost of assisted living is almost $700 higher, while nursing home prices are more than double the average price of home care.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.