Assisted living in Delaware: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Delaware, and what to check before you choose.
What Delaware calls it
In Delaware, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Facility”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Health Care Quality (Long Term Care Residents Protection) is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Delaware's Diamond State Health Plan Plus is a Medicaid managed care program for long-term services and supports for residents who are elderly or physically disabled, and its benefits table lists assisted living care. Eligibility rules apply.
Checking a community
The state's licensing guidance page links to a Registry of Licenses Search for finding licensed facilities; it does not mention inspection reports.
Help and complaints
Delaware Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (DHSS) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Delaware
Delaware's licensing guidance states that all assisted living facilities must be licensed to operate in the State, with a license term of 1 year.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Delaware?
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Health Care Quality (Long Term Care Residents Protection).