Families considering senior living in Delaware will find themselves in a unique position. Of all its neighboring Northeastern U.S. states, Delaware is one of the smallest in area but also one of the most densely populated, and its residents are never too far from a coastline. Beyond the variety of outdoor recreation provided by the Atlantic shores or Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, Delaware’s largest metropolitan area, Wilmington, is well-connected to other major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Of course, historic sites are plentiful throughout the state, as Delaware took the lead among colonies signing the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and therefore is known as “The First State.” Retirement in Delaware may mean fewer options for senior living, but opportunities are always nearby.
The median monthly cost of independent living in Delaware is about $2,500.
A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can provide you with a list of independent living communities in Delaware to help you find one that fits your needs and budget.
The reason we gave the meals a 4 is because it is a smaller facility, their menu is not that big but the quality of food is above average. There are activities everyday but some days have more than others....
We are so grateful to have found this fine place for our family member. Every step of the way there was great info, consistent support, and for every question a clear and readily available answer. After 6...
The building is old but kept up well. It has large windows with lots of light. One of the selling points for my Mom. But the windows are old and leaky. A contractor has measured them and we are told they are...
The building is old but kept up well. It has large windows with lots of light. One of the selling points for my Mom. But the windows are old and leaky. A contractor has measured them and we are told they are...
5 on all categories. The bus trips to lunch, stores, and sightseeing are hugely important. Bringing in entertainment helps the atmosphere lively and engaging.
My FIL was only a resident for two months at HH before he passed, but his time there as a resident made his journey so much easier for he and our family. I highly recommend HH for anyone seeking an...
The building is old but kept up well. It has large windows with lots of light. One of the selling points for my Mom. But the windows are old and leaky. A contractor has measured them and we are told they are...
For our LO the décor was similar to her décor at home. After multiple unannounced visits I was always warmly greeted by staff and that still happens. The menu fit her taste and the meals continue to be...
Our loved one says the meat is tough as well as the carrots, they are kind of disappointed with the quality. Our loved one only plays bingo but does enjoy the happy hours. Based on the experience we have had...
Staff is exceptionally competent and helpful and friendly. To make this place exceptional one must use the facilities, the classes and travel opportunities. It is two miles from the Rehaboth Beach Boardwalk....
The phone call that changed our lives. [name removed] answered our call the day I began my search for my Mom's new home. She invited me to come to the community & see for myseld what they had to offer....
Wow!!! Staff amazing!! Head Nursing amazing!! [Name removed] is the most loving Director Ever!!!! The facility is operated at the highest standards but with Love. Doors are open in most rooms and welcoming....
Our loved one says the meat is tough as well as the carrots, they are kind of disappointed with the quality. Our loved one only plays bingo but does enjoy the happy hours. Based on the experience we have had...
In general the staff is very caring and helpful. As with most facilities; they seem to be short staffed with call-out and hiring the right people. Unfortunately, I find this true with most businesses in...
It felt like home to my parent. Pricing was reasonable. Staff was helpful and we would definitely recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far.
Delaware independent living options include stand-alone facilities and those that are combined with assisted living. Stand-alone independent living communities don’t need to be licensed, but assisted living facilities must be licensed and inspected by the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Health Care Quality.[01] Depending on what type of community you move into, you’ll be protected by certain health and safety regulations, as well as rights as a renter in Delaware.
If you move into a combined independent living and assisted living community, the following regulations may apply:[02]
For an in-depth overview of all regulations, visit our Delaware assisted living laws and regulations page.
Since most independent living arrangements are rentals, you have rights similar to renting a traditional apartment. First, Delaware senior living facilities must give you a written statement before you sign a contract. If you move into a combined independent living and assisted living community, you may expect the following details in your statement:[02]
Even if you choose a stand-alone independent living community, you still have rights as a renter, or tenant. The landlord or administrator responsibilities below may apply to your community:[03]
View the full Delaware Resident Landlord-Tenant Code for more information
Seniors with disabilities have additional rights and protections when renting an independent living unit. First, the State of Delaware Architectural Accessibility Standards lists several guidelines that buildings must meet in order to be accessible to everyone:[04]
You’ll also have protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the right to reasonable modifications and accommodations. Reasonable modifications include physical changes that make it easier for you to use your unit, such as wider doorways and bathroom grab bars. Reasonable accommodations include changes to community policies, such as allowing you to live with a service animal or assigning an accessible parking space.[05]
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Phone: 1-800-223-9074
Email: delawareADRC@delaware.gov
Let our care assessment guide you
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
Finding the most recent license and inspection information on a community you’re interested in may bring you peace of mind. The Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Health Care Quality inspects, or surveys, assisted living facilities once a year and in the event a complaint is filed.[06] If your prospective independent living community is combined with an assisted living community, you can view this information online.
Visit the Survey Reports for Assisted Living Facilities page to browse the list of communities and their survey reports. Under each community, you’ll see annual survey reports, complaint survey reports, or both. In most cases, the annual report is the one with the most recent information.
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Health care quality.
Delaware Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy. 2015 ed. Assisted Living Facility.
Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, 25 § 5301 et seq. (2024).
State of Delaware Executive Department Office of Management and Budget. (2009). State of Delaware architectural accessibility standards.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Survey reports for assisted living facilities.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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