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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Delaware · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you're worrying about how to pay for care as you or a loved one grows older, please take a deep breath. You've found the right page, and Delaware has real, free help waiting for you.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-800-223-9074Your one-call starting line, answered around the clock. The ADRC helps you find in-home care, benefits, housing, and services — all free.
The world of senior care and public benefits can feel like a tangle of agencies and forms. It's a lot — especially when you're stressed and just want to make sure someone you love is safe. This page gathers Delaware's most helpful free resources and lays them out in plain language.
You don't have to understand everything before you make a call. Pick one number below and start there. The people who answer are there to help you, not to sell you anything. Everything on this page is free.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather receive care at home, and Delaware Medicaid can help. The Diamond State Health Plan-Plus (DSHP-Plus) long-term care program can pay for personal care, homemaker help, adult day services, and other supports that let you stay in your home or in an assisted living setting, instead of a nursing home.
Ask about long-term care and DSHP-Plus.
Ask about long-term care and DSHP-Plus.
Delaware Medicaid provides health coverage through the Diamond State Health Plan. For seniors who need long-term care, the Diamond State Health Plan-Plus (DSHP-Plus) provides Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) — covering nursing home care as well as many services that help you stay at home.
A note on eligibility: Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources. The income and asset limits change every year, and long-term care has its own special rules. Don't assume you earn or own too much to qualify — many people are surprised. Call and let them check your situation.
Apply online through Delaware ASSIST, or call Medicaid Customer Relations to apply by phone.
The ADRC can direct you to your nearest DHSS State Service Center to apply in person.
If you're on Medicare
Two programs can save you real money:
Apply through Delaware ASSIST or by phone.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
DMAB can help you apply for Medicare Savings Programs.
DMAB is Delaware's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run through the Department of Insurance. Trained counselors offer free, confidential Medicare help — comparing plans, understanding bills, applying for cost-saving programs, and spotting fraud. They sell nothing and have nothing to gain from your choices.
Free, confidential Medicare help — comparing plans, understanding bills, applying for cost-saving programs, and spotting fraud. Also reachable at 302-674-7364.
Everyday essentials
Food assistance to help pay for groceries. Apply online or call DHSS.
Coordinated through the ADRC and DSAAPD — call to find meals near you.
Dial 211 to find nearby food pantries.
For affordable senior housing, rent help, or utility assistance, start with:
Dial 211 or visit for housing and utility help.
Can connect you to local housing and energy assistance programs.
Guidance & protection
Delaware's aging services are coordinated statewide through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) and the ADRC. They can help with meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits, and in-home care.
One call connects you to statewide aging and disability services coordinated through DSAAPD.
The national fallback if you need help finding local aging services.
Free legal help for problems with benefits, housing, debt, scams, and family matters. County toll-free lines: New Castle County 1-800-292-7980, Kent County 1-800-537-8383, Sussex County 1-800-462-7070.
To report suspected abuse or neglect of an older adult.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility and something isn't right, the Ombudsman is a free advocate for the resident.
A free advocate for residents of long-term care facilities.
National fallback
National consumer voice resource for long-term care residents.
Dial 211 for help with almost any need.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call the ADRC at 1-800-223-9074. Explain what's happening and let them connect you to the right services and your local aging office.
Call for free1-800-223-9074It's the main way Delaware delivers Medicaid coverage. For seniors needing long-term care, the Diamond State Health Plan-Plus provides nursing home care and home-based services for people with limited income and resources.
Usually not. Medicare covers short-term skilled care but not ongoing long-term care. Delaware Medicaid, through DSHP-Plus, is what helps pay for in-home care and some assisted living services.
Very possibly. Limits change yearly and are often more generous than people expect, especially for long-term care. Don't rule yourself out — call 1-866-843-7212 and let them check.
Ask about the Medicare Savings Programs through Delaware Medicaid (1-866-843-7212) and Extra Help through Social Security (1-800-772-1213). QMB can save you about $185 a month on your Part B premium.
Yes, that's what DSHP-Plus is designed for. Call the ADRC at 1-800-223-9074 to explore your options.
Yes. The ADRC (1-800-223-9074), DMAB (1-800-336-9500), and 211 all offer free guidance. You never pay to get pointed in the right direction.
Asking for help takes courage, and Delaware has kind, knowledgeable people ready to stand with you. Make that first call today — you'll feel better once someone is on your side.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.