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Assisted Living in Delaware

By BoomersHub EditorialReviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 19 cities and 3 counties. Delaware averages $7,600 per month for assisted living, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Delaware

Delaware is an excellent choice for senior living. A pleasant climate, rich history, and diverse culture make it an attractive retirement destination — plenty of open space, but with real cities and their medical hubs within reach. Assisted Living care is available in and around every metro, from small residential care homes to full-campus communities. This guide walks through what Assisted Living in Delaware costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Find the best assisted living facilities in Delaware

Start with a major metro, or jump straight to your town in the A–Z directory. Every link opens that city's assisted living options.

19 cities · 3 counties

Browse assisted living by county

Delaware compares to the states around it

The average cost of assisted living in Delaware is $7,600 per month. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of assisted living

  • Delaware$7,600
  • New Jersey$8,710
  • Pennsylvania$6,480
  • Connecticut$9,118
  • Maryland$7,173

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How assisted living compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in Delaware by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

Delaware state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for assisted living in Delaware

Most Delaware families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Private pay

    Option 1

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Selling your home

    Option 2

    Selling a parent's home can help finance assisted living, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Reverse mortgage

    Option 3

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Long-term care insurance

    Option 4

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Veteran's programs

    Option 5

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • Medicaid in Delaware

    State program

    Delaware Medicaid's Veterans Administration (VA) Centers in Delaware program helps eligible lower-income seniors with assisted living costs in participating communities. Waivers typically do not cover room and board.

Free assisted living resources in Delaware

What you should know about Delaware

The Delaware median for Assisted Living is set by the 2025 industry cost-of-care survey. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A Delaware expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching Delaware alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the assisted living communities, the real pricing, and the availability across Delaware, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Delaware cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 22Delaware cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

Important resources about assisted living

Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.

Frequently Asked Questions

+How can I get my parents into Assisted Living in Delaware?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Delaware communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

+What is pet-friendly Assisted Living?

Pet-friendly Assisted Living communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each Delaware community for its written pet policy before move-in.

+What is the total number of Assisted Living facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Assisted Living communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

+Which states have the highest number of Assisted Living facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Assisted Living communities.

+What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Assisted Living — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

+What is the average age of a Assisted Living resident?

The average Assisted Living resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

+Can you keep pets in Assisted Living facilities?

Many Delaware communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

+Do the total costs of Assisted Living include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

+Do Assisted Living communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at Delaware Assisted Living communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

+Does Delaware Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?

Partially. Delaware Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Assisted Living facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

What families say about Delaware

Assisted Living

My father has been in skilled care for just over a year. We have been very pleased with his care. Staff are friendly, caring, responsive. During the pandemic. They were able to balance safety with the needs of patients during visits. The facility recently came under new ownership. They seem to be committed to updating some of the outdated furnishings.

Unknown · Foulk Living · Wilmington

Assisted Living

Somerford is an outstanding assisted living facility with exceptional staff. Mom moved into her beautiful apartment in January. She was loved and accepted by the staff and made to feel so welcome. The staff is always available to help, answer any questions or concerns, and offer assistance whenever possible. Mom is more outgoing and active than she was in the past years. She has been to many events and participated in activities with good friends. Although it was difficult for everyone, Somerford staff made it possible. We are so grateful to have Mom here at Somerford.

Unknown · Somerford House & Place Newark · Newark

Assisted Living

My father-in law was searching for an independent living community a few years back. He was determined to be able to work and remain independent for as long as possible. Shipley was able to help him do exactly that! I introduced him the sales team, who helped him with the transition as well as the apartment selection. He is still happy there, and enjoys the apartment, the staff, and all the amenities. He is very fondly referring to the friendly staff at Shipley for making his experience a memorable one. He also made many new friends. He enjoys Shipley Manor and is social.

Unknown · Shipley Manor · Wilmington

Assisted Living

Sunrise of Wilmington was a wonderful place to find help for my mom when she couldn't be independent. For 8 years, the Sunrise community has been our extended family. My mother was cared for by the staff and leadership. They were kind, caring, and extremely professional. We felt confident in their support. Wilmington Sunrise will always be remembered for their support of our family.

Unknown · Sunrise Of Wilmington · Wilmington

Assisted Living

Paramount was able to quickly admit my mother to a memory unit. Paramount was able assess her and get all her records within 4 days. This was in contrast to other facilities that required 6 weeks. They even picked her up from the rehab facility she was in. They are very helpful, both the nursing staff and the administration. They respond quickly to our calls (probably too often, I confess). The care my mother receives is excellent.

Unknown · Paramount Senior Living At Newark · Newark

Assisted Living

Although the staff was very helpful, it was difficult to find the location because the road forks are always left. It's not towards the park (like I did). I wish their sign was larger. It's about 4"x12".. very easy to miss.. my gps took to me to Kuts. STAY LEFT

Unknown · Lodge Lane Assisted Living · Wilmington

Explore assisted living in nearby states

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