Nursing Homes in Delaware

Delaware is home to the nation’s fifth-oldest population, based on residency data. Nearly 20% of its 973,764 residents are 65 or older, which means that there’s increased demand for long-term care and geriatric specialists. Seniors who have significant medical needs often turn to nursing homes for assistance. These facilities provide skilled nursing and subacute medical care 24 hours a day. They also offer physical therapy, psychosocial care and rehabilitative services to help residents recover from an injury, an illness or a hospitalization and maintain optimal function.

Delaware is home to 50 nursing facilities that care for approximately 4,000 residents. These facilities typically charge $12,699 per month for a private room or $12,349 for a semiprivate room, which is well above the national average. In this guide, you’ll find information about average nursing home costs, state regulations, Medicaid long-term care benefits and resources provided by government agencies and nonprofits.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Delaware

According to the  Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, nursing homes in Delaware cost $12,349 per month for semiprivate accommodations. Local rates are 60% higher than the U.S. median of $7,756, which costs residents an additional $4,593 every month. Seniors in Virginia pay slightly less than the U.S. median with average rates of $7,665. However, when compared to other states in the Chesapeake region, prices are moderate. Seniors in Delaware pay roughly $1,095-$2,300 more than their counterparts in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, which all have above-average rates.

Nursing home rates vary by state and by city. Seniors in Dover, the state capital, pay $12,882 for skilled nursing, which is $533 more than average. In Wilmington, which is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, seniors pay $11,285 per month, or $1,064 less than the state median. Overall, Delaware tends to be more expensive than neighboring areas. Seniors in Baltimore, Maryland, pay $11,984 on average followed those in Salisbury, Maryland, at $10,768. Nursing homes in the southern New Jersey city of Vineland are also more affordable than Delaware with median rates of $10,950 per month. In Virginia Beach, nursing homes charge about $90 less than the U.S. median at $7,665 per month.

Skilled nursing is the most expensive form of long-term care in Delaware. With average rates exceeding $12,000, it costs almost twice as much as assisted living, which averages $6,690. Families may also consider in-home care as a possible alternative. Home health agencies provide household assistance and medical care for $4,767 per month based on 44 hours of weekly care. Individuals who are interested in light personal care and structured daily activities may consider adult day health care, which costs just $1,645 per month, a rate that’s similar to the U.S. average of $1,603.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Delaware?

More than 271,000 Delaware residents are enrolled in the state’s managed long-term care Medicaid program, which is called the Diamond State Health Plan Plus. Over 4,000 seniors live in Delaware nursing homes that accept Medicaid. Delawareans enrolled in DSHP-Plus and residing in a nursing home contracted with Delaware Medicaid are covered for their room, board and skilled nursing care. Some facilities also provide medical equipment, supplies and other services. 

There are 46 nursing homes in Delaware, 42 of which accept Medicaid, accounting for more than 5,000 state-licensed beds. Elderly persons who require skilled nursing care but want to remain at home may be eligible for the Long-Term Care Community Services Program, which provides in-home care. These services can include personal care, case management, medical and social day care, respite care, mental health services, supplemental nutrition, assisted living support and an emergency response system.  

Medicaid Eligibility in Delaware

In order for Delaware seniors to be eligible for the state’s nursing home facility program through Medicaid, they must be medically evaluated and be within certain income limits. A registered nurse from the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance Pre-Admission Screen unit assesses a potential nursing home admittee for skilled or intermediate care requirements. An interview with a DMMA financial social worker is also required, along with specific items necessary to help determine eligibility. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Delaware

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Delaware residency
• U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status with permanent residency 

How To Apply for Medicaid in Delaware

Delaware seniors and their families can apply for Medicaid long-term care programs online at the Delaware ASSIST website or by calling (866) 940-8963 with application inquiries. Individuals can also apply by contacting Delaware Health and Social Services by phone at (800) 372-2022 or in person at the main office in New Castle. Another option is to seek out the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center for information and assistance through its website, on the phone at (800) 223-9074 or via email at DelawareADRC@delaware.gov. 

Seniors and their families should be sure they can meet all eligibility criteria and have the necessary documentation ready for the program before submitting an application. 

Information You Will Need:

• Birth certificate (or INS alien cards)
• Photo ID
• Social Security card
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if married or divorced)
• Power of attorney or guardianship information
• Health insurance cards
• Proof of health insurance premiums
• Titles to any motor vehicles owned
• Documents verifying all income and resources
• Bank, trust and annuity statements

Applicants will need these documents at the eligibility interview. 

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Delaware

The following table contains details and information concerning free resources in Delaware that can help families navigate the complicated process of applying for Medicaid assistance.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Delaware?

Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.

Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:

• Meals
• A semiprivate room
• Medications
• Skilled nursing
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Audiologist care
• Medical supplies
• Medical social services
• Nutritional counseling
• Ambulance transportation

What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.

For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.

Medicare Support & Resources in Delaware

Families navigating ways to pay for nursing home care for their loved ones may look into whether Medicare can cover some of the initial costs. Health insurance through Medicare can assist financially toward a nursing home stay, but only for a short period of time. Information and guidance concerning Medicare coverage for long-term care can be accessed through the following organizations.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Delaware

While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Delaware

A variety of free and low-cost resources exist in Delaware to help seniors and their families as they navigate the complicated process associated with obtaining long-term residential care in a nursing home. With the assistance of the following community and home-based resources, many of which are nonprofits or government funded, families can find the support necessary to help their loved ones as they transition into long-term care. 

COVID-19 Rules for Nursing Homes in Delaware

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.delaware.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/3/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Delaware