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 staff is great. They encourage the residents to get involved with others and to participate in activities. Unfortunately because my mother has vascular dementia, she is more argumentative and doesn't...
The food is good almost feel like I'm eating at home. They have so many different sizes of units. Many of them have full kitchens and washer/dryers. Good medical staffing and attentive aids. They will be...
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...
Beautiful facility. Staff is awesome. I have met most of the residents here, all friendly and nice. Daily planned activities, assorted. Exercise classes,etc.
We chose this facility because it was a better value for the money. It also felt more informal. The administration staff made the process very smooth. They were very easy to work with.
The staff is great. They encourage the residents to get involved with others and to participate in activities. Unfortunately because my mother has vascular dementia, she is more argumentative and doesn't...
The food is good almost feel like I'm eating at home. They have so many different sizes of units. Many of them have full kitchens and washer/dryers. Good medical staffing and attentive aids. They will be...
We chose this facility because it was a better value for the money. It also felt more informal. The administration staff made the process very smooth. They were very easy to work with.
The staff is great. They encourage the residents to get involved with others and to participate in activities. Unfortunately because my mother has vascular dementia, she is more argumentative and doesn't...
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 observant and caring nature of the aides/caregivers. The caregivers treat all residents as individuals and cater to their needs as individuals. They know each resident as a person and treat them with...
Since my wife was only there for about 2 weeks it is difficult to fully evaluate the services provided. She did not use the food service or activities. The staff was friendly and courteous. Facility very...
My father was a resident at Brookdale Dover for 6 years. During his stay he was well cared for. His medications were dispensed. All meals provided. Housekeeping kept his apt. clean and tidy. The staff was...
The aids are always friendly and polite. They take very good care of my mother-in-law. They have plenty of activities. that keep them busy. The cost is very high. The building is showing at age. The...
Overall cleanliness could be better rugs are stained worn in. Food is always cold. Made a lot of friends. Activities are ok. Love my apt. Front. Desk staff are great. We don't see much of staff. [name...
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.
Find assisted living near you
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