What It Actually Costs
When you're looking into home health aide care in Delaware, you'll find the average hourly rate is around $28. This can vary across the state; for instance, in Wilmington, average starting costs are about $20.91 per hour, while in Dover, you might see rates starting around $18.22 per hour. The statewide average starting rate is approximately $19.33 per hour. You might wonder about the difference between what you pay and what the aide actually earns. Delaware home health aides have a median wage of $15.27 per hour. This gap, where you pay $28/hr and aides earn less, largely covers agency overhead, including administrative costs, caregiver training, insurance, and the crucial benefit of backup caregivers if your primary aide is unavailable. Agencies also handle payroll and taxes, which takes a significant burden off your shoulders.
Delaware's Home Care Program
Delaware's main program for home care assistance is the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus), specifically through its Long Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) program. This isn't a traditional Medicaid waiver, but a managed care system designed to provide long-term care services at home or in other community settings. The LTCCS program can cover services like adult day care, meal delivery, minor home modifications, respite care, personal emergency response systems, and personal care assistance. To qualify, individuals generally need to be Delaware residents, meet specific financial eligibility requirements for income and assets, and have a medical need for long-term care, often requiring a Nursing Facility Level of Care. You can learn more and apply by visiting the Delaware Assist Portal or by calling Medicaid Customer Relations at 1-800-372-2022 or (302) 255-9500.
Hiring: Agency vs Independent
Deciding between hiring through an agency or directly hiring an independent caregiver involves practical tradeoffs. An agency provides peace of mind through background checks, liability insurance, and guaranteed backup coverage if your regular caregiver is sick or on vacation. They also handle all the employment responsibilities like payroll and taxes. The convenience and security of an agency, however, typically come with a higher hourly rate. Hiring an independent caregiver directly can often be 20-30% cheaper because you avoid agency overhead. This route can also foster a more consistent relationship with a single caregiver and allows for direct negotiation of rates. However, you become the employer, responsible for vetting, background checks, managing payroll, taxes, and arranging for backup care yourself. For finding caregivers in Delaware, the Delaware Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers an online database and personalized assistance at 1-800-223-9074. If you're utilizing self-directed care programs, GT Independence provides financial management services and a caregiver database to help you find suitable support.
Last updated: April 23, 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey, CMS Nursing Home Compare, Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.
Last updated: May 3, 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey, CMS Nursing Home Compare, Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.
Last updated: May 3, 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey, CMS Nursing Home Compare, Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.