A Helpful Guide from Caring.com: Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the country, but it’s also home to a large senior population. As of July 2021, nearly 195,000 of the state’s just over 1 million residents were aged 65 and over. Besides the miles of coastline, one of the main attractions for seniors retiring in Delaware is the state’s senior-friendly tax policies. Seniors can enjoy tax-free shopping, low property taxes and a state income tax exemption on the first $12,500 of retirement pay. Delaware is also home to several fine hospitals, including the ChristianaCare Hospital and Beebe Healthcare – Lewes.
This guide provides more information regarding Frequently Asked Questions about In-Home Care. Other articles will address Medicaid and Medicare coverage, as well as explaining current regulations, and providing a list of free and low-cost resources for seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does in-home care cost in Delaware?
According to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of in-home care in Delaware is $4,671. In-home care services means a caregiver comes to the home and provides services like medication administration and assists with grooming and meals. This option for seniors is less expensive than moving to an assisted living community, which costs on average $6,035 per month.
Are there transportation assistance programs?
Delaware’s statewide public transportation provider, the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), provides rides at reduced or for free for seniors and those with disabilities to and from medical appointments. Rides must be scheduled at least a day in advance and include features like wheelchair lifts and low-floor buses for easy access.
Does Delaware state Medicaid pay for in-home care?
In Delaware, the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP+) helps pay for some services provided by in-home care. Individuals who qualify receive all the benefits provided by Medicaid, including housekeeping, a social day care center, respite care and an emergency response system.
What does it mean to age in place?
Aging in place refers to individuals who prefer to live in their home as they get older instead of moving into an assisted living community or nursing home. Assistive technology and in-home care makes this possible for many seniors. Assistive technology refers to any products or devices that help seniors improve or maintain their quality of life while they age.
What is the difference between in-home care and home health care?
The main difference in in-home care and home health care is home care services are typically any non-medical service that provides assistance with daily living, including companionship, grooming assistance, light housekeeping and transportation. Home health care is usually doctor prescribed and requires a nurse who can provide wound care, IV care, injections and administer medications.
This helpful guide was provided by the Caring.com Team. Founded by Caregivers, Trusted by Families
In 2007, a few friends who were each caring for an aging parent noticed a lack of information online to help them navigate the complexities of caregiving. Not finding the one-stop online resource they needed, they decided to create it themselves. The result was Caring.com.
Today, the company is filled with people working to make a difference for others. Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.
The material they provide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. https://www.caring.com/