Independent Living in Delaware

Families considering senior living in Delaware will find themselves in a unique position. Of all its neighboring Northeastern U.S. states, Delaware is one of the smallest in area but also one of the most densely populated, and its residents are never too far from a coastline. Beyond the variety of outdoor recreation provided by the Atlantic shores or Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, Delaware’s largest metropolitan area, Wilmington, is well-connected to other major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Of course, historic sites are plentiful throughout the state, as Delaware took the lead among colonies signing the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and therefore is known as “The First State.” Retirement in Delaware may mean fewer options for senior living, but opportunities are always nearby.

The median monthly cost of independent living in Delaware is about $2,500.

A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can provide you with a list of independent living communities in Delaware to help you find one that fits your needs and budget.

Delaware independent living options include stand-alone facilities and those that are combined with assisted living. Stand-alone independent living communities don’t need to be licensed, but assisted living facilities must be licensed and inspected by the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Health Care Quality.^[01] Depending on what type of community you move into, you’ll be protected by certain health and safety regulations, as well as rights as a renter in Delaware.

Regulations for combined communities

If you move into a combined independent living and assisted living community, the following regulations may apply:^[02]

• The facility must provide laundry and housekeeping services.
• Staff must organize social and leisure activities.
• Seniors must be offered three daily meals plus snacks each day of the week, with a nutritionist or dietician overseeing the menu.
• Seniors can live in a private unit or a unit with one roommate.
• The facility must have at least one bathroom for every four seniors.

For an in-depth overview of all regulations, visit our Delaware assisted living laws and regulations page.

Renters’ rights

Since most independent living arrangements are rentals, you have rights similar to renting a traditional apartment. First, Delaware senior living facilities must give you a written statement before you sign a contract. If you move into a combined independent living and assisted living community, you may expect the following details in your statement:^[02]

• Costs
• Payment policies
• Resident rights
• Community responsibilities
• Complaint procedures

Even if you choose a stand-alone independent living community, you still have rights as a renter, or tenant. The landlord or administrator responsibilities below may apply to your community:^[03]

• They have to maintain all facilities, such as electrical and plumbing.
• They’re responsible for making repairs.
• They must keep all grounds and common areas in clean and safe condition.

View the full Delaware Resident Landlord-Tenant Code for more information

Accessibility requirements

Seniors with disabilities have additional rights and protections when renting an independent living unit. First, the State of Delaware Architectural Accessibility Standards lists several guidelines that buildings must meet in order to be accessible to everyone:^[04]

• When disability-friendly units are above ground level, the building has to have an elevator.
• Bathrooms must be accessible to people with disabilities.
• There must be a certain number of accessible parking spaces for the number of typical spaces.
• All buildings on the same site or campus should be connected by an accessible route.

You’ll also have protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the right to reasonable modifications and accommodations. Reasonable modifications include physical changes that make it easier for you to use your unit, such as wider doorways and bathroom grab bars. Reasonable accommodations include changes to community policies, such as allowing you to live with a service animal or assigning an accessible parking space.^[05]

Delaware Department of Health contact information

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities

Phone: 1-800-223-9074

Email: delawareADRC@delaware.gov

Survey reports

Finding the most recent license and inspection information on a community you’re interested in may bring you peace of mind. The Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Health Care Quality inspects, or surveys, assisted living facilities once a year and in the event a complaint is filed.^[06] If your prospective independent living community is combined with an assisted living community, you can view this information online.

Visit the Survey Reports for Assisted Living Facilities page to browse the list of communities and their survey reports. Under each community, you’ll see annual survey reports, complaint survey reports, or both. In most cases, the annual report is the one with the most recent information.