Memory Care in Delaware
What It Costs Across Delaware
The median cost for memory care in Delaware is currently around $7,494 per month. However, prices can vary significantly depending on where you look in the state. For instance, areas like Wilmington can see monthly costs averaging around $5,209 to $6,764, while Newark might offer slightly more budget-friendly options around $5,760 per month. Coastal and urban areas, such as Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, often have higher prices due to premium facilities and local demand.
Memory care typically carries a premium of 20% to 30% more than standard assisted living in Delaware, which averages about $7,425 per month. This means you can expect to pay approximately $1,508 to $1,850 more per month for specialized memory care. This higher cost reflects the enhanced services required for individuals with dementia, including a greater level of supervision, specialized staff training, secure environments, and tailored activities designed to support cognitive function and daily living.
Finding a Quality Facility
In Delaware, memory care is regulated as a specialized form of assisted living. Facilities offering memory care must be licensed and inspected by the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Health Care Quality. While there aren't separate licenses just for memory care, these facilities must adhere to specific regulations, including developing policies to prevent residents with memory impairment from wandering safely away from secure areas.
A quality memory care facility in Delaware will have sufficient staff to meet resident needs, although specific staffing ratios aren't mandated. Key indicators of quality include a Registered Nurse (RN) as the Director of Nursing and certified administrators. Direct care staff must complete at least four hours of dementia-specific training within 60 days of employment and annually thereafter, covering communication, psychosocial needs, and safety. You can verify a facility's credentials and review inspection reports through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's "Search & Verify a License Online" tool (DELPROS).
Paying for Memory Care
Delaware's Medicaid program, known as the Diamond State Health Plan-Plus (DSHP-Plus), does cover personal care and medical services within assisted living, including memory care, through its Long Term Care Community Services sub-program. However, it's important to note that DSHP-Plus typically does not cover the "room and board" portion of memory care costs, meaning families often pay this out of pocket. Eligibility for Medicaid requires meeting specific income and asset limits, with monthly income generally less than $2,358 for single individuals in 2024.
Beyond Medicaid, families may explore Long-Term Care insurance or veterans' benefits. Delaware also offers non-Medicaid assistance through its Adult Day Care and Alzheimer's Day Treatment Programs, which provide daytime supervision and non-medical care. The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter is a vital resource, offering free support groups, educational programs, and a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for guidance and local resources.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.