Senior Services in Delaware: A Complete Guide to State Programs

Your parent needs help — maybe with meals, maybe with getting to the doctor, maybe with staying safe at home. Delaware's senior services exist, but they are spread across multiple state divisions, county offices, and contracted providers. Here is how the system is organized and where to start.

The DSAAPD: Delaware's Central Senior Services Agency

The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) is the state agency responsible for coordinating most non-Medicaid senior services in Delaware. It sits under the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

Unlike larger states that delegate senior services to county-level Area Agencies on Aging, Delaware operates a single statewide system. DSAAPD directly administers or contracts out the programs that serve seniors across all three counties.

DSAAPD manages:

• The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) — the statewide intake and referral hub
• Caregiver support programs including respite vouchers
• Senior community services and nutrition programs
• Oversight of the Lifespan Respite Care Network (contracted to Easterseals)

For any question about what is available, the ADRC at 1-800-223-9074 is the starting point.

County-Level Access Points

While DSAAPD runs statewide programs, services are accessed through county offices:

New Castle County:

• DMMA Financial Eligibility: Robscott Building, Newark (302-368-6610) and Thatcher Street, Wilmington (302-577-2174)
• DSAAPD Medical Eligibility Unit: 302-368-6610
• Saint Francis LIFE (PACE program) centers in Newark and Wilmington's Riverfront

Kent County:

• Milford State Service Center (302-424-7210)
• DSAAPD Medical Eligibility: 302-424-7172

Sussex County:

• Georgetown State Service Center (302-856-5379)

Each county office handles the same core functions — Medicaid applications, clinical assessments, and program referrals — but staffing and wait times vary.

Key Programs by Need

Home Care and Personal Assistance

Delaware's Medicaid long-term care program, the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus), covers personal care aides, skilled home health, and home modifications through three MCOs. This is the primary funding source for ongoing home care.

For seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid, private-pay home care in Delaware averages over $77,000 per year through licensed Personal Assistance Services Agencies (PASAs).

Meals and Nutrition

DSHP-Plus covers home-delivered meals for qualifying beneficiaries, including a second daily meal. Regional Meals on Wheels programs serve all three counties, and the ADRC can connect families with emergency food assistance.

Transportation

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to medical appointments is covered under Delaware Medicaid through Modivcare. For non-Medicaid seniors, senior transit directories and community transportation programs are available through the ADRC.

Respite for Caregivers

The Lifespan Respite Care Network provides grant-funded vouchers for unpaid caregivers through Easterseals. Medicaid-enrolled seniors receive respite through their DSHP-Plus care plan instead.

Adult Day Programs

Licensed adult day services across all three counties offer structured daytime care including social activities, nursing monitoring, exercises, and meals. Programs are covered under DSHP-Plus or available through private pay.

Saint Francis LIFE (PACE)

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly serves New Castle County seniors aged 55+ who need nursing-level care but want to stay home. It integrates all Medicare and Medicaid benefits with no out-of-pocket costs for dual-eligible participants. Service area is limited to specific New Castle County zip codes.

The Most Common Mistake

Families often search for "senior services" expecting a single office that handles everything. Delaware's system is functionally centralized through the ADRC, but services are funded and administered by different divisions — DSAAPD for aging programs, DMMA for Medicaid, DHCQ for provider licensing and abuse reporting.

The ADRC connects these pieces. Start there, and they will route you to the right division for your parent's specific needs.

For a structured walkthrough of Delaware's eldercare system — from ADRC intake through Medicaid application, MCO selection, and care plan authorization — the Delaware Home Care Guide maps every step with timelines and checklists specific to each county.

See more Delaware guides →