Assisted Living Community in Sussex County, Delaware

The average cost of assisted living in Sussex 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 Assisted Living Community in Sussex County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Sussex County, DE

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

Seniors in Sussex County pay an average of $5,418 per month for assisted living services, according to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey. When compared with major cities in surrounding states, this cost is about midrange. In Trenton, New Jersey, seniors pay a much higher price of $7,230 per month, while in Baltimore, Maryland, the cost is significantly less at just $4,250 per month. Local costs in Sussex County are also substantially higher than the national average of $4,000 per month.

Note: Senior care cost data isn’t available for Sussex County. Data for Dover, the nearest major city, was used instead.

Senior care costs in Sussex County vary dramatically depending on the level of care required. While assisted living costs an average of $5,418 per month, the cost of nursing home care is nearly double that at $10,768 per month. Both homemaker services and home health aides cost slightly less at $4,004 and $4,576 per month, respectively. However, seniors who receive long-term care at home need to consider the additional expenses they may incur, such as rent, utilities, groceries and general home maintenance. In both assisted living facilities and nursing homes, these costs are typically rolled into the price.

Delaware Medicaid, known as the Diamond State Health Plan, provides low-income families and individuals with access to health care services and prescription medications at no charge. Under Delaware’s state plan, the cost of nursing home care is typically covered for elderly and disabled individuals. These benefits are provided in addition to various services, including primary care, hospital, prescription medications, chiropractic care and mental health.

To qualify for the DSHP as a senior citizen, applicants need to be at least 65 years old and earn a monthly income of $771 or less ($1,157 for those who are married). Applicants are also limited to owning no more than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for married couples applying together). Eligible applicants must also be permanent residents of Delaware and legal U.S. citizens.

When determining eligibility, all income sources are counted. However, some assets are excluded, such as the applicants’ home provided that they or their spouse continue to live in it and that it’s valued at less than $585,000. Other exemptions include personal belongings and a single vehicle. Those who don’t meet the requirements listed above may be able to work with a professional Medicaid planner to transfer a portion of their assets or income to their spouse to help them qualify for benefits.

Seniors who’d like to apply for Medicaid can submit an application online via ASSIST, the state’s benefits application site. For more information, call (800) 996-9969.

Diamond State Health Plan Plus

The Diamond State Health Plan Plus is a Medicaid managed care program that helps senior citizens access a full scope of services, including nursing home care, assisted living, home care and adult day care. All health care services are provided under this plan. In some cases, services are consumer directed, which means that the beneficiary may choose what services they receive as well as how and when they access them. Usually, consumer-directed services are only available to those receiving long-term care in their own homes. 

To qualify for the DSHP-Plus, seniors must be at least 65 years old and earn no more than $1,927.50 per month. Asset and residency requirements are the same as the Medicaid state plan.

Applications can be submitted online via ASSIST.

Optional State Supplementation

Senior citizens in Sussex County and throughout Delaware may be eligible for the state’s optional state supplementation program, which is provided to aged, blind and disabled Supplemental Security Income recipients. The benefit helps those who have medical bills that aren’t covered under the DSHP or DHSP-Plus. The monthly payout may be as high as $448 for couples and $140 for individuals.

To qualify, applicants need to be at least 65 years old or legally disabled and be a recipient of the federal SSI benefit.

To learn more, senior citizens can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance helps senior citizens pay for assisted living, nursing home care or home care. Typically, a policy must be purchased while the senior is in good overall health and before the need for care arises. The exact price and terms of LTC policies vary depending on the provider and plan.

For help understanding long-term care insurance, senior citizens can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

The Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center acts as the county’s Area Agency on Aging. It provides a variety of services to senior citizens and their caregivers, which aim to provide a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life. Services include benefits coordination and assistance, caregiver support, nutrition counseling and protective services. Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center
26351 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947
(800) 223-9074

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates several programs to benefit those who have served in the military and their spouses. In Sussex County, veterans can access VA health care benefits, financial assistance programs and administrative services through several clinics and Vet Centers.

Sussex County VA Clinics, Vet Centers and Benefits Offices
(various locations)
(844) 698-2311

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