Although Delaware has foregone the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (Elderly and Disabled) Waiver system, it does offer a statewide, managed long term care Medicaid program called the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus). The program allows for consumer direction of services such as attendant care, and covers some medical and personal care services in assisted living facilities. To qualify, residents must be at least 65 years of age with single income limits set at $1,957.50, and $2,937.50 for married couples.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Delaware
The Lorelton, Wilmington
The Lorelton offers spacious apartments in a historic building, featuring high ceilings and large windows. There’s a licensed nursing staff available 24/7 along with caretakers who offer help with activities of daily living. And when residents need any medical help or therapy, they can make an appointment with onsite PT, OT, and speech therapists or visiting psychiatrists, podiatrists, opthamologists, or primary care doctors. The activity director keeps seniors active and social with fun tai chi classes, art lessons and cooking demonstrations, and residents are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the beautiful gated courtyard with a year-round greenhouse and vegetable garden.
Cost begins at $3,850 per month for a private studio.
Ingleside Assisted Living, Wilmington
Ingleside offers the perfect combination of independence and care. Each room is equipped with bathroom grab bars, an emergency call system, and individually controlled heating. Guests are welcome to join residents for a meal in the full-service dining room, or to take a stroll outdoors to nearby Cool Springs Park. The Ingleside community offers engaging activities to keep seniors physically and mentall fit, including fitness classes, live entertainment and day trips.
Cost begins at $2,955 for a semi-private (shared) room, or $3,570 for a private studio. Ingleside participates in the Medicaid Waiver program, and Medicaid only pays for a semi-private room. Family members may look into buying up a private room from the base that Medicaid covers.
Ivy Gables, Wilmington
With a capacity of only 24, residents of Ivy Gables receive personalized care and attention while enjoying a robust offering of entertainment. From a walking club to brain games, and educational seminars to cooking classes, there’s no chance of getting bored in this senior living community. Nutritious meals are served three times daily in the dining room, but residents are free to make their own meals in their apartment kitchenettes. And because the health and safety of residents is a big priority, monthly wellness checks are always performed by licensed nurses.
Cost begins at $4,822 per month.
State Street Assisted Living, Dover
State Street allows residents to live an active lifestyle while getting the support they need. Each pet-friendly apartment has a kitchenette, an emergency call system, and individually controlled thermostats, and all residents receive 24/7 assistance as needed. A variety of activities such as exercise programs, book clubs, flower arranging, music classes, religious services and pet therapy keeps seniors at State Street socially and emotionally engaged.
Cost for a shared suite begins around $6,000 per month.
Dover Place, Dover
At Dover Place, residents thrive physically and mentally. In-house activities like ceramics, yoga, and Bible studies keep seniors socially active, while outings to the Delaware Bay and nearby historic structures encourage interaction in the outside community. A full-time licensed nurse provides clinical oversight and coordination of care, and transportation to scheduled medical appointments can always be arranged.
Cost begins around $6,500 for a shared suite.
Brookdale, Hockesen
Brookdale strives to help seniors feel at home. Their spacious studio apartments have plenty of room for grandkids to visit, and even have storage for precious sentimental items. Staff is happy to help residents settle in, whether that be hanging a family picture or finding a perfect place for Fluffy’s litterbox. To connect with their new neighbors, residents are encouraged to participate in social activities such as painting classes or board games. And family members always have peace of mind that staff is available around the clock if needed.
Cost begins around $4,695 for a shared suite.
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe is just minutes from the area’s famous boardwalk and beautiful beaches, as well as popular shopping outlets. When residents aren’t taking day trips to shop or breathe in the salty air, they enjoy programs on-site such as the Men’s Club, Card Sharks, and Chair Zumba. Licensed nurses are always around to help with personal care and medication management, and a full housekeeping and laundry staff help to keep each apartment fresh and clean. Most importantly, Brandywine administrators encourage family members to stay involved in the care of their loved ones.
Cost begins at $4,440 for a private studio.
Somerford House and Place, Newark
Surrounded by shopping venues, cultural attractions, and public parks, residents of Somerford House and Place have endless things to do and see. When they aren’t enjoying local sporting events and historical sites, seniors in this community can relax in the library, play bridge in the game room, or chat with neighbors at happy hour. Of course, there are always nurses and caretakers around to help with dressing, mobility, and medications.
Cost begins at $3,240 per month.
Paramount Senior Living, Newark
Paramount residents appreciate the philosophy “We bring the care to you.” Whether needing wound management, diabetic care, help with medications, or physical therapy, seniors can stay in the comfort of their cozy apartments while receiving care from a professional healthcare staff. Daily social, educational, spiritual and recreational programs keep residents mentally sharp and physically active, while scheduled group outings ensure that they continue to feel like an important part of the Newark community.
Cost begins at $5,280 per month for a studio.
Marydale Retirement Village, Newark
Seniors who can’t afford traditional assisted living facilities may find a home in this Section 8 community, which is operated by Catholic Ministry to the Elderly. There are 108 one-bedroom rental apartments, each with a kitchen, central air conditioning, safety bars in the bath area, and personal emergency call system. Marydale residents live independently and enjoy the companionship of peers as well as a community center, but benefit from having a maintenance staff as well as access to local transportation. To qualify, applicants must meet the federal definition of very low income, show a demonstrated ability to pay rent, good housekeeping habits, and have a history as a good resident or neighbor.
Cost: Apartments rent for 30% of a resident’s adjusted gross income.
