8 Communities in Kent County, Delaware

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,418 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 8 Assisted Living Communities in Kent County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Kent County, DE

• Assisted Living: $5,418
• Nursing Home Care: $10,768
• In-home Care: $4,004
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,300

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Kent County’s average monthly cost for assisted living is significantly higher than the national average of $4,000, and only slightly over the state average of $5,350. Kent County is one of the most expensive areas in the region for assisted living costs. Rates here are higher than the relatively small cities of Allentown, PA ($3,750) and Atlantic City, NJ ($5,100), as well as the much larger city of Baltimore, MD ($4,250). Only Trenton, NJ is higher at $7,230 per month.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Kent County, so data for the county seat, Dover, was used.

The cost of senior care varies depending on location and type of care. In Kent County, skilled nursing care in a semiprivate room is more than double the price of all other types of care, including assisted living. In-home care, such as home health aides and homemaker services, is moderately less expensive than assisted living. Residential care facilities typically include expenses such as utilities, property taxes and maintenance in their room-and-board fees, while in-home care does not. These factors should be considered when deciding on the best type of care for a senior’s unique situation.

Delaware’s Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance furnishes health care to low-income residents who meet certain eligibility requirements. Delaware Medicaid is organized as a managed care program called the Diamond State Health Plan and provides services such as primary care, chiropractic services, laboratory work, prescriptions, hospital visits, transportation, mental health care and substance abuse services.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
• Be a resident of the state of Delaware
• Have a monthly household income under $1,927.50 for an individual or $2,892.50 for a couple
• Have countable assets of no more then $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple (a primary home and a vehicle are exempt from this requirement)
• Be disabled or at least 65 years of age

Diamond State Health Plan Plus

The Diamond State Health Plan Plus is a Delaware Medicaid managed care plan that provides long-term care for seniors at home or in residential facilities, such as assisted living, nursing homes and adult foster homes. Participants can receive skilled nursing care, housekeeping services, respite care, physical therapy, home modifications, medication management, adult day care and case management. Qualifications for the DSHP-Plus are the same as for DSHP. This program only covers the cost of care services; recipients are responsible for paying room-and-board costs.

To apply for DSHP and DSHP-Plus coverage, go to the Delaware ASSIST website, visit a local Division of Social Services office or call (800) 222-2189.

Optional State Supplementation

Delaware offers an optional supplementation to federal SSI benefits. To qualify for the supplement, recipients must be eligible for SSI benefits, be aged, blind or disabled and live in an approved adult residential care or assisted living facility. Enrolled seniors receive $140 for an individual or $448 for a married couple in addition to their monthly federal SSI payment.

To apply for OSS, seniors should contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

General Assistance

General Assistance is a state-run program that provides cash assistance to low-income Delaware residents who don’t qualify for federally funded programs such as Social Security benefits. To qualify for this program, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

• Aged 18 to 54 and too sick to work (as verified by a doctor)

• Staying at home to care for a sick family member

• At least 55 years of age and have no other income

• A high school student over age 18 expected to graduate within two years

Applicants can speak with a DSS Case Manager to see if they’re financially eligible by calling the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities at (800) 223-9074 or apply for GA online through Delaware ASSIST.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial offers loans to seniors who need immediate, short-term assistance paying for long-term care. These loans are designed to bridge a period when a senior is waiting for the sale of a home or benefit approval. Multiple borrowers can apply for the same loan, making individual credit scores and an applicant’s age and health less important in the approval process. 

For more information about bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities maintains a resource center, dedicated website and call center to provide elderly and disabled residents with assistance in navigating the array of benefits and services available to them. Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
1901 N Dupont Hwy., New Castle, DE 19720
(800) 223-9074

The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs provides trained service officers to help vets navigate the complex process of qualifying for military benefits, while the Kent County VA Clinic provides physical and mental health care to area veterans.

Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs
802 Silver Lake Blvd., Ste. 100, Dover DE, 19901
(800) 344-9900

Kent County VA Clinic
198 S Governors Ave., Ste. 201, Dover, DE 19904
(800) 461-8262

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.