Guide to Independent Living in Delaware

The East Coast state of Delaware is comprised of three distinct regions, letting older adults retire to the community that fits their lifestyle. Of the state’s 990,000 residents, nearly a fifth are aged 65 and over. Retirees flock to the state for its comfortable seasonal weather, access to public transportation and beautiful beaches. While the state’s overall cost of living is high compared to the rest of the nation, retiree-friendly tax laws may help older adults maximize their income. 

Seniors who want a low-maintenance lifestyle but don’t require personal care services or medical monitoring may be good candidates for independent living. These communities support residents’ quality of life by providing services such as daily meals, transportation and yard care, ensuring plenty of time for pursuing hobbies and interests. While this senior care option is relatively expensive in Delaware compared to the rest of the nation, coming in at $3,897, older adults have access to a range of services and benefits to help them identify ways to cover costs. This guide provides more information on independent living costs in Delaware, along with information on options for paying for services and free and low-cost resources for older adults. 

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Delaware?

Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

In Delaware, Independent Living rates are relatively costly at $3,897, which is nearly $1,000 higher than the national average of $2,925. However, rates are consistent with prices in surrounding states. In New Jersey, service costs are considerably higher at $4,222. In Virginia, rates are a few hundred dollars less than in Delaware at $3,413, and in Maryland, residents pay $3,185. Pennsylvania is one of the cheapest places in the nation for care, with rates coming in at $2,665. 

The Cost of Independent Living in Delaware’s Top Cities 

Because of Delaware’s small size, survey data is only available for one city, Dover. Here, older adults pay $3,947 per month for independent living, which is higher than the national median but affordable compared to rates outside this city. In the New Jersey city of Trenton, care costs are quite a bit higher at $5,294, and in Harrisonburg, Virginia, seniors pay $3,712. Rates in Baltimore, Maryland, are closer to the national median at $3,088, and in Scranton, Pennsylvania, service costs are among the cheapest in the nation at $1,869.  

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care 

Independent living services in Delaware average $3,897 per month. The only cheaper senior care type is adult day health care, which comes in at $1,661. Older adults seeking care in their own homes pay $5,339 for basic homemaker services and for specialized home health aide services. Assisted living provides these care services in a residential setting for $5,995 monthly, and those who need around-the-clock medical monitoring pay $12,273 for shared nursing home rooms.  

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Delaware?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Delaware to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Delaware.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Delaware

Seniors in Delaware have an array of options for paying for independent living, even if their retirement income isn’t enough to cover services. In some cases, seniors can use their life insurance to pay for services by selling their policy to a third party for cash or accessing their death benefit. Those who have access to a lump sum of cash can purchase an annuity to convert it to monthly payments to supplement retirement income, and those who own their own homes may consider taking out a reverse mortgage loan. Long-term care insurance policies don’t provide full coverage for independent living, but policies may have coverage for specific services such as meals and housekeeping, bringing down the total monthly bill.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Delaware

Delaware has a variety of statewide resources for older adults to help them make informed decisions regarding their long-term care options. The following table features information and referral specialists, options counselors and financial and legal advisors who specialize in age-related issues. 

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Delaware Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from coronavirus.delaware.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/3/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents