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Get Pricing & Availability for Assisted Living in Wilmington, DE

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Page Reviewed / Updated – July 20, 2022

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U.S. adults considering a Mid-Atlantic destination for their retirement years may find an appealing option in Wilmington, Delaware. The city’s residents enjoy an overall cost of living that’s 10% below the U.S. average. Housing costs, in particular, are a remarkable 45% below the U.S. average. While the area has a higher-than-average income tax rate of 7.9%, Delaware is also one of just five U.S. states with no sales tax.

According to the annual Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Wilmington is $5,685. That figure is higher than the national average but also slightly cheaper than the Delaware average.

This guide compares the costs of assisted living in Wilmington to those of cities in nearby states and examines the costs of alternative types of long-term care. Finally, there’s an overview of low- and no-cost services in the area aimed at helping older adults get the most out of their retirement location.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Wilmington, DE

Wilmington’s monthly cost for assisted living is $5,685. The city’s cost for assisted living care is significantly higher than the U.S. average of $4,500, but seniors living in Wilmington pay roughly $300 less than the Delaware average of $5,995. That average is brought up by state capital Dover, where seniors can expect to pay $6,073 a month for assisted living care. Over the state border in Maryland, senior residents of Baltimore see lower prices of $4,750 a month. However, in New Jersey, Atlantic City’s residents pay more than Wilmington’s, with an average monthly cost of $5,807.

  • Wilmington: $5,685
  • Delaware: $5,995
  • United States: $4,500
  • Dover: $6,073
  • Baltimore, MD: $4,750
  • Atlantic City, NJ: $5,807

The Cost of Other Types of Care in Wilmington, DE

Wilmington seniors who prioritize saving money may opt for adult day health care, which is easily the least expensive option for long-term care at $1,777 a month. Wilmington’s prices for aging in place —  $5,329 for in-home care and $5,339 for home health care — are only a few hundred dollars below those of assisted living. However, there’s a major price jump for seniors seeking nursing home care: Genworth reports those costs as being $11,437 for a shared room and $12,897 for a private room. 

  • In-Home Care: $5,329
  • Home Health Care: $5,339
  • Adult Day Health Care: $1,777
  • Assisted Living Facility: $5,685
  • Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room): $11,437
  • Nursing Home Facility (private room): $12,897

Note: Data for Wilmington was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Philadelphia, PA, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Wilmington, DE

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Other Ways To Pay for Assisted Living in Wilmington, DE

Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For additional information and planning, read our comprehensive guide to paying for senior care in Delaware.

Free Resources for Seniors in Wilmington, DE

The resources in the following chart can help Wilmington’s seniors find assistance with certain civil legal issues, find ways to meet other older adults in the area, stay physically active and get professional advice on ways to stay financially solvent throughout retirement.

Resource

Contact

Service

Community Legal Aid Society Elder Law Program (302) 575-0666 This arm of the CLAS focuses on legal support for Delaware residents who are at least 60 years old; there are no income restrictions. The attorneys of this nonprofit organization can offer help with civil matters that include evictions, debt collection and problems applying for or claiming government benefits. They can also help with drafting advance directives and defending the rights of residents of assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
Wilmington Senior Center (302) 651-3400 Located just off of Brandywine Creek, this community center is open to all adults ages 50 and over and offers technology education, financial coaching, low-impact exercise and fitness classes, congregate meals and special events such as group outings. 
Division of Services for Aging and Adults With Physical Disabilities

(800) 223-9074

This state-level agency acts as an umbrella for many of Delaware’s senior-focused initiatives. Through the DSAAPD, seniors can access case management services, borrow or lease assistive devices such as wheelchairs and specialized laptops, lodge complaints about quality of care in community living environments and receive information regarding Medicare, Social Security and other entitlement programs.

Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities in Wilmington, DE

Assisted Living Communities in Wilmington are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.

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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Wilmington, DE

The Lorelton

Owned and operated by a local nonprofit organization, The Lorelton is nestled in a quiet, suburban neighborhood of Wilmington. Set in a historic building, resident apartments feature high ceilings and large windows that let in an abundance of sunlight. We've included it in this list because of its customized personal care, friendly staff and homelike atmosphere. Activities such as tai chi classes, art lessons and cooking demonstrations encourage lifelong learning and creative exploration. Three home-cooked meals are served each day, with a special brunch buffet prepared every Sunday. An in-house lab and x-rays are available so residents can take care of their health needs without having to leave home.

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Features
  • On-site physical therapy
  • Gated outdoor courtyard with a year-round greenhouse and vegetable garden

Methodist Country House

Nature lovers will feel right at home at Methodist Country House. The campus features acres of manicured grounds, views of rolling hills and access to woodland trails. Residents can also enjoy gardening outdoors, honing their skills on the putting green or relaxing under the gazebo. It's included in this list for its resort-style living experience. On-campus banking allows seniors to take care of errands right at home. The facility offers in-house massage therapy, a professional beauty salon and a full-time, nondenominational chaplain. Life engagement activities, including exercise classes, art lessons, music appreciation and volunteer opportunities, are planned so seniors stay active, healthy and engaged.

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Features
  • Upscale amenities include a fitness room, performing arts center and craft studio
  • Formal and casual dining options

Sunrise of Wilmington

Set in a beautiful Victorian-style mansion, Sunrise of Wilmington offers picturesque views of Shellpot Park and easy access to shops, restaurants and St. Francis Hospital. The community has received numerous awards for its attention to residents' individual needs and preferences. Seniors can make the most of every day with household chores taken care of and delicious meals prepared by the experienced culinary team. The facility offers an extensive array of activities and programs for residents to enjoy, including exercise classes, games and socials, or residents can opt for some quiet time with a book in one of the cozy common areas.

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Features
  • Monthly wellness visits by licensed nurses
  • Amenities include a beauty salon, library and garden patio

Luther Towers

Just off Route 202, Luther Towers offers residents access to everything they need, from restaurants to parks to local attractions. It's considered a top facility for its affordable rates, convenient location and on-site amenities. Residents enjoy delicious daily meals from a menu designed by a registered dietitian and can spend an afternoon getting pampered at the on-site beauty salon. To promote a healthy, active lifestyle, the facility offers a calendar of activities as well as off-site outings to local retailers and health fairs. Transportation can also be arranged to take residents for errands at local banks and grocery stores, though a mini-mart is available in the building for everyday items.

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Ivy Gables

Ivy Gables is regarded as one of the top 10 assisted living facilities in Wilmington for its efforts to create the ultimate resident experience. Staff members work together as a team to deliver personalized care services and make every day fun. Residents have the opportunity to participate in daily activities, including walking club, brain games, educational seminars and art projects, as well as weekly cooking classes, Bible study and local outings. The facility features beautiful grounds, a fitness center, arts and crafts studio and media room. Nutritious meals are freshly prepared and served in a dining room setting, with snacks and beverages available throughout the day.

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Features
  • Studio apartments equipped with kitchenettes
  • Robust offering of social, spiritual, educational and recreational programs

Shipley Manor

Life at Shipley Manor is designed to help residents feel like they're part of a family. A number of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues are within walking distance, and it's just a short drive from the waterfront and Delaware Art Museum. We included it in our top 10 list for its robust offering of amenities and unique programming. Residents have access to an on-site beauty salon, computer room, fitness center and library, as well as a covered outdoor patio and walking paths. The facility hosts a variety of programs that encourage learning and help foster connections within the community, including intergenerational activities, pet therapy and volunteer opportunities.

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Forwood Manor

Located right in the heart of Wilmington, Forwood Manor lets residents make the most of all the city has to offer. Seniors can wander through Wilmington Waterfront River Walk, visit Dupont Estate or grab a bite at a local hot spot. The facility is highly regarded for its numerous social and recreational events and its efforts to create a true sense of community. To help residents feel a sense of fulfillment each day, the facility hosts a full range of enriching activities, including art projects, movie nights, exercise classes and happy hours. Residents enjoy a restaurant-style dining experience with three delicious meals prepared daily by trained chefs.

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HarborChase of Wilmington

HarborChase of Wilmington offers a relaxing environment that's close to local parks, medical facilities and a swim club. It's listed as one of the top facilities in the area for its award-winning cuisine, upscale amenities and focus on hospitality. Upon arrival, each senior receives a Silhouette of My Life profile that outlines their individual needs and wants. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with courtyards, elegant water features and a bocce court. Residents can relax at the salon and spa, catch up with friends in one of the cozy common spaces or take part in a life enrichment program. Some of the offerings include yoga, fitness classes, trivia, movie nights and pet therapy.

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Features
  • Full spectrum of care services available
  • On-site dermatology, podiatry care and auditory clinic

Ingleside Assisted Living

Ingleside Assisted Living offers the perfect blend of independence and care. It's set in a quiet, residential neighborhood just up the street from Cool Springs Park. Daily meals are served in the full-service dining room, and residents are welcome to invite family and friends to join them. Rooms feature cozy carpeting, bathroom grab bars for safety and individually controlled heating. The facility offers a range of wellness programs to benefit seniors' physical and mental health and a calendar of engaging social activities, including speakers, live entertainment and day trips. In their spare time, residents can relax with a book from the library or visit the on-site beauty salon to refresh their look.

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Features
  • Pets are welcome
  • Scheduled transportation to medical appointments and local shops

Foulk Manor North

Foulk Manor North's central location allows seniors to stay active with restaurants, shops and attractions within walking distance. We've included it on this list for its homelike atmosphere and commitment to delivering a high level of care. The facility offers a full spectrum of care services so seniors can gracefully transition from one level of care to the next as their needs change. Amenities such as an on-site beauty salon, fitness center, library and computer lounge give seniors access to everything they need from the comfort of home. Residents have a full calendar of activities and recreational opportunities to choose from each day, including group exercises, games, movie nights and shopping trips.

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