Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Delaware ADRC: 1-800-223-9074 – Statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center (24/7)
• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-277-4302 (1-888-APS-4302) – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation (24/7)
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• Delaware 211 – Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive emergency resources and assistance

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact the Delaware ADRC for emergency food programs
• Delaware 211 – Dial 2-1-1 for local food pantries and emergency assistance

Key Takeaways

• Delaware operates as a single statewide Area Agency on Aging through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)
• All services are free or sliding scale for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 1-800-223-9074 to access the Delaware ADRC – your single point of entry for all aging and disability services
• Delaware ADRC serves as the statewide Aging & Disability Resource Center providing comprehensive assistance
• No income requirements for information and assistance services
• Delaware’s small size enables coordinated statewide service delivery without regional boundaries
• Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus) provides home and community-based services through managed care
• Delaware is the only state that operates aging services as a single statewide system

What Are Area Agencies on Aging in Delaware?

Delaware is unique among all 50 states in that it operates as a single statewide Area Agency on Aging rather than having multiple regional agencies. The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging for the entire First State.

Your Delaware ADRC functions as a comprehensive resource center designed specifically for Delaware’s compact geography and coordinated service delivery. The statewide system coordinates services across all three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex), from the urban Wilmington metropolitan area to the rural farmlands of Sussex County, and from the historic Dover area to the beach communities along the Atlantic coast.

Delaware’s innovative approach eliminates the confusion and service gaps that can occur in multi-AAA states. Whether you live in a Wilmington suburb, a Dover neighborhood, or a rural Sussex County community, you access the same comprehensive system of services through a single point of contact.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services oversees all aging and disability services and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. The statewide approach allows for consistent service standards, coordinated care management, and efficient resource allocation across Delaware’s relatively small but diverse geographic area.

Delaware’s Statewide Aging Services System: Complete Directory

Note: All services are coordinated through the single statewide Delaware ADRC system. Local service delivery occurs throughout all three counties.

Core Services Provided by Delaware’s Aging System

Information and Assistance

The Delaware ADRC provides comprehensive information and assistance to help you understand your options and connect with appropriate services. Staff members are specially trained to address Delaware-specific issues including:

• Chemical industry retiree benefits and transition services
• Beach community seasonal resident coordination
• Agricultural community support in Sussex County
• DuPont Company legacy benefits and healthcare transitions
• Delaware’s unique tax advantages for retirees
• Interstate coordination with neighboring Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
• Dover area federal employee and military retiree services

You don’t need to qualify for any specific programs to receive information and assistance – this service is available to anyone who calls the Delaware ADRC.

Nutrition Programs

Delaware’s statewide nutrition programs are designed to serve the state’s diverse geographic and economic areas efficiently.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and community halls throughout Delaware’s 39 municipalities. These programs provide social interaction opportunities crucial in both urban Wilmington-area communities and rural Sussex County towns. Meals typically have suggested donations of $3-5, though no one is refused service for inability to contribute. Many sites serve as cooling centers during summer heat and warming centers during winter storms.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels): For seniors unable to shop or prepare meals, Delaware coordinates extensive home delivery programs that operate year-round, including during nor’easters and coastal storms. Volunteers navigate Delaware’s mix of suburban developments, rural farmlands, and beachfront communities. Priority goes to homebound seniors, those without family support, and individuals at nutritional risk.

Coastal and Seasonal Adaptations: Programs accommodate Delaware’s unique geography with specialized services for beach communities, seasonal resident coordination, and hurricane preparedness meal planning.

Transportation Services

Transportation across Delaware’s diverse geography presents unique challenges that the statewide system addresses through coordinated programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to major medical centers including Christiana Care, Nemours Children’s Health, and BeebeCare. The system coordinates trips to specialist appointments in nearby Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. medical centers, requiring interstate coordination and longer travel times.

Interstate Transportation: Specialized services for Delaware residents who need to travel to major medical centers in Philadelphia (45 minutes from Wilmington) or Baltimore (2 hours from Dover) for specialized care not available in Delaware.

Rural and Beach Community Transportation: Services adapted for Sussex County’s agricultural communities and coastal areas, including seasonal service modifications for beach towns and coordination with resort community schedules.

Reality Check: Transportation in Delaware faces unique challenges. The state’s north-south orientation means many trips require traveling the length of the state, I-95 corridor traffic can significantly delay medical appointments, and some beach communities have limited year-round access during winter months.

Legal Assistance

Delaware’s statewide legal assistance program provides free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil matters, with special emphasis on issues common in the First State:

• Delaware corporate law and retirement benefit issues
• Chemical industry pension and workers’ compensation claims
• Coastal property and hurricane damage insurance disputes
• Agricultural land use and farm succession planning
• Military retiree benefits coordination with nearby bases
• Delaware’s unique tax laws and senior exemptions
• Interstate estate planning with neighboring states
• Social Security and Medicare benefit appeals

Legal assistance is provided by staff attorneys or volunteer lawyers familiar with Delaware law and the state’s unique corporate and tax environment.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling

Trained counselors help seniors understand Medicare options while addressing Delaware-specific insurance challenges:

• Coordination with Delaware’s major health systems (Christiana Care, Nemours, BeebeCare)
• DuPont retiree health benefit coordination and transitions
• Delaware state employee health benefit coordination
• Medicare coordination for frequent travel to Philadelphia or Baltimore specialists
• Chemical industry retiree health benefits and workers’ compensation
• Military retiree health benefits coordination with nearby bases

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and have no financial interest in your decisions.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, Delaware’s statewide case management system coordinates multiple services across the state’s compact geography. Case managers work with you to:

• Assess needs considering Delaware’s unique economic and geographic factors
• Connect with specialists throughout Delaware and in neighboring metropolitan areas
• Coordinate with family members in the heavily populated mid-Atlantic region
• Navigate Delaware’s streamlined but comprehensive service system
• Plan for hurricane evacuations and coastal emergency preparedness
• Coordinate with Delaware’s network of healthcare and social service providers

Family Caregiver Support

Delaware’s statewide Family Caregiver Support Program recognizes the challenges of caregiving in a small state with strong family connections:

Information and Education: Training on caregiving in both urban and rural settings, hurricane preparedness for coastal families, managing care across Delaware’s three counties, and coordinating with out-of-state family members in nearby metropolitan areas.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups available statewide, including virtual options for rural Sussex County caregivers and in-person support groups in all three counties.

Respite Care: Temporary care services including in-home companions, adult day programs, and emergency respite during severe weather or when family members travel for work or medical appointments outside Delaware.

Emergency Caregiver Support: Backup caregiving during hurricanes, nor’easters, or other emergencies when family members cannot reach care recipients.

Delaware Medicaid Waiver Programs

Delaware offers comprehensive Medicaid waiver programs designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care at home instead of institutional settings, coordinated through the statewide Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus) managed care system.

Long-Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) Program

Delaware’s LTCCS Program replaced traditional HCBS waivers with a managed care approach that eliminates waiting lists and provides more coordinated services.

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance coordinated through managed care
• Homemaker services including hurricane preparedness assistance
• Home-delivered meals with statewide coordination
• Adult day health programs with transportation throughout Delaware
• Respite care including emergency services during coastal storms
• Emergency response systems with backup communication
• Home modifications for accessibility and hurricane protection
• Assisted living services in DSAAPD-approved facilities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be eligible for Delaware Medicaid
• Must need nursing facility level of care
• Must choose community-based services over institutional care
• Financial limits: $2,000 in countable assets, income under $2,417.50/month (2025)

Delaware Advantage: The managed care approach eliminates traditional waiver waiting lists, ensuring faster access to services for eligible Delaware residents.

Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus)

Delaware’s innovative managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) program coordinates all long-term care services through managed care organizations.

How It Works:

• All participants choose from approved managed care organizations
• Care managers coordinate medical and long-term care services
• Services are delivered through provider networks throughout Delaware
• Integration of acute care and long-term services reduces confusion and gaps
• Statewide coordination ensures consistent service delivery

Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Services

Delaware provides comprehensive services for seniors and adults with physical disabilities through the managed care system.

Delaware-Specific Features:

• Coordination with Delaware’s major health systems
• Hurricane evacuation planning and emergency services
• Chemical industry occupational health coordination
• Rural Sussex County specialized service delivery
• Coastal community emergency preparedness

Assisted Living Waiver

Delaware’s Assisted Living Waiver allows Medicaid coverage for services in approved assisted living facilities throughout the state.

State-Specific Advantages:

• Statewide standards ensure consistent quality across all facilities
• Coordination between assisted living facilities and health systems
• Emergency evacuation planning for coastal facilities
• Integration with Delaware’s overall long-term care system

Special Population Services

Chemical Industry Retirees

Delaware’s economy has been significantly shaped by the chemical industry, particularly DuPont, creating unique retiree populations:

Industry-Specific Services:

• DuPont pension and benefit coordination and transitions
• Chemical exposure health monitoring and treatment coordination
• Workers’ compensation navigation for occupational health issues
• Retiree health benefit transitions and Medicare coordination
• Legacy benefit preservation and advocacy
• Environmental health assessment and ongoing monitoring

Beach and Coastal Community Residents

Delaware’s 28 miles of Atlantic coastline create unique senior service needs:

Coastal-Specific Services:

• Hurricane evacuation planning and transportation
• Seasonal resident coordination for “summer people”
• Flood insurance and storm damage recovery assistance
• Beach community accessibility and emergency services
• Coastal environmental health concerns and resources
• Year-round vs. seasonal service delivery coordination

Agricultural Community Seniors

Sussex County’s significant agricultural economy creates specialized service needs:

Agricultural-Specific Services:

• Farm safety assessments and equipment modification
• Agricultural estate planning and farm succession assistance
• Seasonal worker support and migrant farmworker coordination
• Crop insurance and disaster assistance coordination
• Rural transportation and service delivery
• Agricultural health and safety monitoring

Military Retirees and Federal Employees

Delaware’s proximity to major military installations and federal employment centers creates significant veteran and federal retiree populations:

Military and Federal Services:

• Dover Air Force Base retiree support and coordination
• Federal employee retirement benefit coordination
• Military health benefit coordination with Delaware providers
• Veterans service coordination with nearby VA facilities
• Security clearance and federal employment transition support
• Honor guard and military funeral coordination

Corporate Retirees

Delaware’s status as a corporate haven creates unique retiree populations from major corporations:

Corporate Retiree Support:

• Corporate pension plan coordination and advocacy
• Executive benefit preservation and transition services
• Stock option and equity compensation coordination
• Corporate health benefit transitions
• High-asset financial planning and estate coordination
• Professional network and volunteer opportunity coordination

Automotive Industry Workers

Delaware’s automotive manufacturing presence creates specialized retiree needs:

Industry-Specific Services:

• UAW benefit coordination and advocacy
• Manufacturing injury and disability support
• Plant closure and pension protection advocacy
• Workers’ compensation and occupational health support
• Retiree health benefit coordination

Veteran Seniors

Delaware has approximately 75,000 veterans, many living throughout the state’s diverse communities.

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Transportation to VA facilities in Wilmington and coordination with Philadelphia VA
• Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs collaboration
• Veterans service officer coordination in all three counties
• Military funeral honors coordination
• PTSD support groups adapted for Delaware communities

Key Resources:

• Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: 302-739-2792
• Wilmington VA Medical Center: 302-994-2511
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
• Delaware Veterans Trust Fund: 302-739-2792

Native American Seniors

Delaware is home to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and other historic tribal communities:

Nanticoke Indian Tribe:

• Tribal elder services through the Community Center
• Cultural preservation and traditional healing programs
• Contact: 302-945-3400

Other Tribal Communities:

• Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania (Delaware connections)
• Urban Native American services in Wilmington area
• Traditional cultural activities and spiritual care

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Number

Dial 1-800-223-9074 from anywhere in Delaware. This connects you to the Delaware ADRC, which serves as your single point of entry for all aging and disability services statewide. The line operates Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with 24/7 online access available.

Step 2: Initial Screening

Delaware ADRC staff will ask basic questions about:

• Your county of residence and specific community
• Type of assistance you’re seeking
• Current living situation and family support
• Transportation needs and mobility requirements
• Insurance coverage including Medicare and Medicaid status
• Emergency needs including weather-related concerns
• Connection to Delaware’s major industries or employment sectors

This initial conversation typically takes 10-15 minutes and helps staff understand how to best assist you within Delaware’s comprehensive service system.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a detailed assessment that considers Delaware-specific factors:

• Over the phone for information and referral services
• In person at ADRC locations in all three counties
• In your home with staff who can travel throughout Delaware’s compact geography
• Via video conference for technology-comfortable seniors

Assessments evaluate your:

• Physical abilities and health status
• Emergency preparedness for coastal storms and severe weather
• Transportation capabilities across Delaware’s three counties
• Social support including connections to Delaware’s close-knit communities
• Financial resources and benefit coordination
• Cultural preferences and community connections

Step 4: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, Delaware ADRC staff will:

• Explain available services with consideration for your specific county and community
• Help apply for relevant benefits including Delaware state programs
• Develop service plans including hurricane evacuation protocols
• Make referrals throughout Delaware’s coordinated service network
• Schedule ongoing services with statewide coordination

Step 5: Follow-Up

Delaware’s statewide system provides ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers familiar with your community
• Seasonal service adjustments for hurricane and winter storm seasons
• Annual reassessments for managed care programs
• Emergency response coordination during severe weather
• Advocacy when service problems arise

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through the Delaware ADRC
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and veterans benefits
• Legal consultations and document preparation
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and emergency assistance

Sliding Scale Services

These services operate on sliding fee scales based on ability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($2-6 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use income eligibility requirements:

• LTCCS Program (Medicaid eligibility required)
• Assisted Living Waiver (Medicaid eligibility required)
• Adult day programs with extended services
• Home modifications and safety equipment

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Delaware Medicaid through DSHP-Plus managed care
• Medicare for medically necessary services
• Delaware state employee health benefits
• Corporate retiree health benefits (DuPont, etc.)
• Veterans benefits through Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs

Financial Reality: Delaware’s high median income creates challenges for some seniors who don’t qualify for need-based programs but struggle with costs. This means:

• Some services have higher suggested donations than other states
• Private pay options are available for those over income limits
• Delaware’s tax advantages help offset some service costs
• Statewide coordination helps control administrative costs

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

Delaware’s statewide aging system must meet federal and state standards including:

• Coordinated service delivery through the single ADRC system
• Emergency preparedness for hurricanes, nor’easters, and coastal storms
• Cultural competency training for Delaware’s diverse populations
• Service delivery standards adapted to urban, suburban, and rural environments
• Quality assurance monitoring through managed care oversight

Oversight and Monitoring

Delaware’s aging services are monitored by:

• The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
• Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors with Delaware-specific expertise
• Consumer advisory councils representing all three counties
• Diamond State Health Plan Plus managed care oversight

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services in Delaware:

1. Contact your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly with direct communication
2. Call the Delaware ADRC – 1-800-223-9074 for service coordination and complaint resolution
3. Contact DSAAPD directly – 302-255-9390 for state-level review
4. Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Available through the Delaware ADRC for nursing home and assisted living concerns

Your Rights

As a service recipient in Delaware, you have the right to:

• Receive services regardless of your county of residence
• Have cultural and community preferences respected
• Receive emergency services during natural disasters
• Participate in decisions about your care and service delivery
• File complaints without fear of service reduction or retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards adapted to Delaware conditions

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Delaware’s single statewide aging system work differently from other states?

Delaware is unique in operating as a single statewide Area Agency on Aging rather than having multiple regional agencies. This means you have access to the same services and standards regardless of whether you live in Wilmington, Dover, or Lewes. There are no regional boundaries to navigate, no transfers between different agencies, and consistent service delivery throughout the state. The Delaware ADRC serves as your single point of contact for all aging and disability services.

What assistance is available for seniors dealing with DuPont pension and benefit transitions?

Delaware’s aging services include specialized support for DuPont retirees dealing with pension transitions, benefit changes, and healthcare coordination. This includes help navigating pension plan changes, coordinating with new benefit administrators, Medicare coordination during transitions, and advocacy for benefit preservation. Case managers understand DuPont’s complex benefit structure and can help retirees access appropriate services during transitions.

How do services work for seasonal residents in Delaware’s beach communities?

Delaware’s statewide system accommodates seasonal residents through flexible service delivery. While ongoing case management requires Delaware residency, information, assistance, emergency services, and short-term support are available to anyone physically present in Delaware. The system coordinates with other states for seasonal residents and provides hurricane evacuation assistance regardless of residency status.

What transportation options exist for Delaware seniors who need to travel to Philadelphia or Baltimore for medical care?

Delaware’s transportation programs coordinate interstate medical trips to major medical centers in Philadelphia (45 minutes from Wilmington) and Baltimore (2 hours from Dover). Services include medical transportation coordination, group trip arrangements, overnight accommodation assistance for extended medical stays, and coordination with out-of-state medical centers for appointment scheduling. Some programs provide vouchers for train or bus transportation for seniors who can travel independently.

How does Delaware’s managed care system (DSHP-Plus) work for long-term care services?

Delaware’s Diamond State Health Plan Plus eliminates traditional waiver waiting lists by providing long-term care services through managed care organizations. Eligible individuals choose from approved managed care plans that coordinate both medical care and long-term services. This means one organization coordinates your healthcare, home care, transportation, and other services, reducing confusion and service gaps. Care managers work with you to develop comprehensive care plans that include both medical and social services.

What services are available for Delaware’s agricultural community seniors in Sussex County?

Delaware provides specialized services for agricultural community seniors including farm safety assessments, agricultural estate planning assistance, equipment modification for aging farmers, crop insurance and disaster assistance coordination, rural transportation adapted for farm areas, and seasonal worker support. Case managers understand agricultural economics and can help farm families with succession planning and benefit coordination.

How do Delaware’s aging services coordinate with nearby military installations and federal employment?

Delaware coordinates closely with Dover Air Force Base and federal agencies to provide specialized services for military retirees and federal employees. This includes military benefit coordination, federal employee retirement benefit assistance, security clearance transition support, coordination with military healthcare systems, and specialized transportation to military medical facilities. The system understands federal benefit structures and can help retirees navigate complex federal retirement systems.

What hurricane and emergency preparedness services are available for coastal seniors?

Delaware’s aging services include comprehensive hurricane preparedness including evacuation planning and transportation for seniors, emergency shelter coordination, emergency medication and medical equipment assistance, backup power programs for medical equipment, post-storm recovery assistance including insurance claim support, and coordination with emergency management throughout all three counties. Coastal communities have specialized emergency protocols adapted to their unique needs.

How does Delaware’s small size benefit seniors accessing services?

Delaware’s compact geography means shorter travel times between services, easier coordination between providers, consistent service standards statewide, ability to access services in any county, simplified administrative processes, and stronger relationships between providers and clients. The single statewide system eliminates confusion about which agency to contact and ensures you receive the same quality of services regardless of where you live in Delaware.

What assistance is available for Delaware seniors with ties to the chemical industry or corporate Delaware?

Delaware provides specialized assistance for corporate retirees including corporate pension plan navigation, executive benefit preservation, stock option and equity compensation coordination, corporate health benefit transitions, high-asset financial planning coordination, and professional volunteer opportunity matching. Case managers understand Delaware’s unique corporate environment and can help retirees navigate complex corporate benefit structures.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice due to state budget changes, federal policy modifications, and emergency situations. While this guide uses the most current available information as of August 2025, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the Delaware ADRC before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation, particularly regarding Delaware’s unique corporate law environment, tax considerations, and coastal living factors.

For the most current information, contact:

• Delaware ADRC: 1-800-223-9074
• Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities: 302-255-9390
• Delaware ADRC website: DelawareADRC.com

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Delaware state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency: • Last Updated: August 2025 • Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice, particularly during legislative sessions and budget cycles. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying, and consider Delaware’s unique statewide service delivery system and coastal geography when planning service access.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs across Delaware’s three counties, from the urban Wilmington area to the rural communities of Sussex County and the coastal towns along the Atlantic.