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Wilmington, a historic city on the scenic Delaware River, is the most populous city in the state with just over 70,000 residents. It has a relatively low percentage of seniors, at 12.7 percent, but is home to a variety of senior-friendly attractions including museums, gardens and a lively arts and culture scene. Residents can visit the Grand Opera House, the Delaware Center for Horticulture or the sprawling Wilmington Riverfront packed with shops, eateries and historical attractions. The centralized location allows for day trips to nearby Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and New York City, which is only a short train ride away.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Wilmington is $4,875 per month, and there are just over 30 facilities providing these services. Delaware offers several financial incentives for seniors, including income tax exclusions and no sales tax.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living in Wilmington, Delaware costs an average of $4,875 per month, which is significantly more affordable than the state average of $6,035 per month, but higher than the national average of $4,051 per month. Assisted living in neighboring New Jersey costs $6,400 per month, and further north in New Hampshire, it comes in at $7,021 per month. Costs are lower in New York ($4,630), Pennsylvania ($3,913) and Maryland ($4,300).
The cost of assisted living in the area varies widely. Nearby Dover comes in at $6,180 per month and just across state lines, Salisbury, MD comes in at $5,250 per month. Baltimore, MD averages a more affordable $4,225 monthly, and Philadelphia, PA comes in at $4,875. Nearby Ocean City, New Jersey comes in at $4,896 and New York City has an average assisted living cost of $6,950.
Delaware provides a variety of resources to seniors, including a Medicaid voucher to help defray the costs of assisted living as well as grants for home modification. Seniors in the state can be eligible for up to $15,000 in income tax exclusions, and the lack of sales tax makes the state an affordable retirement destination.
To learn more about these programs and their eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in Delaware page.
| Contact | Description | |
Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities | (302)255-9390 | Delaware’s government senior advocacy organization provides resources and coordinates referrals for seniors in need. This body governs Adult Protective Services, and is responsible for investigating allegations of elder abuse and ensuring that care facilities adhere to state law. The division’s Council on Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities lobbies to ensure that seniors receive proper legal protections. |
Senior Community Service Employment Program | (302)255-9390 | This program offers paid part-time work experience to low-income seniors at various locations throughout Delaware. Through training and support, this organization aims to provide veterans, at-risk seniors and disabled people with successful work placements. |
| U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs | 1(800)827-1000 | Here, veterans and their surviving spouses can access crisis management and prescription refill services. The Delaware Bets on Vets program helps seniors find work in state government positions. |
Wilmington Senior Center | (302)651-3400 | As part of the United Way of Delaware, this day program provider offers enriching social activities, fresh community meals, and group outings to shopping and local attractions. A variety of educational seminars include cultural activities and health and wellness classes. Transportation services, financial education and caregiver support groups are also available. |
| Delaware Senior Resource Network | (302)442-4069 | Here, seniors can access a network of professionals who can help with financial planning, money management, scam awareness, legal aid and real estate management. Industry experts also provide assistance with end-of-life planning and home health care. |
| American Legion | (302)652-9237 | This organization has a Benefits Center, which helps veterans and their spouses understand and apply for government aid. A career support program helps with new skills and job placement, and the Health Center provides quality mental, dental and rehabilitative health care. |
| Brandywine Senior Center | (302)792-2757 | Operated by the Claymont Community Center, this facility offers a day program which includes shared lunches, educational workshops and social activities. Outings to movies, shopping and local attractions increase community engagement for seniors. Members also have access to transportation services, wellness classes and a fitness center. |
Assisted living facilities in Wilmington must abide by the regulations laid out by Delaware’s Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. Visit our Assisted Living in Delaware page to learn more about senior protections in the state.