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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 43 nursing homes in DE using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in DE
Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Delaware.
Watch this Video to see Delaware's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.3/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Delaware. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:4.0/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Delaware. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Delaware. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the DE Dept. of Health & Social Services (DHSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Delaware average is: 49.2% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
$6.5M*Fiscal year ending 2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$9.3M*Fiscal year ending 2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
142.7%*Fiscal year ending 2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
Cokesbury Village, a part of the Acts Retirement-Life Communities, is nestled in the heart of Hockessin, Delaware. The 60-acre property exudes an idyllic atmosphere with easy access to airports and is surrounded by public spaces and native woodlands. Thoughtfully designed floor plans and health services that cater to every level of care, including assisted living, skilled care, and rehabilitation services, are also available. The community is filled with familial charm and boasts resort-like living.
What’s more, Cokesbury Village takes pride in having a long-tenured staff and being a not-for-profit organization.
Located in Dover, Delaware, The Center at Eden Hill is a nursing home community that boasts a high level of care in a beautiful, hotel-like atmosphere. They are licensed as a skilled nursing facility by the state of Delaware, which means they can provide care to patients who have had their acute or surgical illness treated at the hospital and are now ready to begin the process of achieving wellness before returning home. They assist patients in gaining strength and functionality. A well-rounded, individualized program is supplemented by skilled nursing care, family involvement, psychological care, and discharge planning, which encourage each patient’s transition to their highest functional level.
Located in Wilmington, Delaware, the lush 10-acre property offers comprehensive care, including independent living, memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Foulk Living’s therapy team is dynamic and highly skilled, and they genuinely care about the well-being of each resident as well. The community is conveniently close to the Brandywine Hundred Regional Library and other public spaces. The living spaces are nothing short of exceptional, with premium quality and attention to detail evident in every aspect of the decor.
The community has a four-season sunroom, a fitness center, and inviting lounge spaces. It’s also pet-friendly and boasts a caring staff. The secure courtyards, gardens, and other common areas around the community are perfect for residents to unwind and socialize. Each resident’s safety is of utmost importance, which is why individual temperature control and a call bell system are in place. Amenities also include an on-site library, salon, beautifully furnished living spaces, walking paths, and restaurant-style dining.
Oakbridge Terrace at Country House is a 40-bed non-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility accepting Medicare and private pay in Wilmington, Delaware, located on the Country House campus at 4830 Kennett Pike in New Castle County. Skilled nursing, memory care, rehabilitation, respite care, and assisted living are offered within a full-continuum facility.
All four CMS sub-ratings sit above Delaware’s average, producing a 5-star overall rating 52.9 percent above state benchmark. The health inspection sub-rating of 85.9 percent above Delaware’s average is the one strongest signal in the profile, reflecting a consistently clean compliance record across the four inspections on file. Nurse hours of 4h 45m per resident day rank 7th among 38 Delaware SNFs on a case-mix adjusted basis. Quality Measures run 18.2 percent above state average. Inspection reports on file cover April 2022, February 2024, and February 2025; detailed findings from such surveys weren’t rendered in the page, but the health inspection sub-rating and having no enforcement actions confirm a record without serious compliance findings.
Amenities are a fitness center, pool, dining and social areas, walking paths, and outdoor spaces, which reflect the broader Country House community setting.
For older adults in Wilmington and northern Delaware who need skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, or memory care within a full-continuum campus, the facility suits well, as it has above-average staffing and a strong compliance profile in a small state with limited SNF options.
The Moorings at Lewes is a 45-bed nursing wing that sits inside a larger coastal retirement community run by Springpoint Senior Living Inc. It is designed so people can transition between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing without moving off the property. The building stays reasonably busy with an 83.5% occupancy rate, and it handles payment through Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Since about two-thirds of the people moving in arrive on Medicare for short-term rehab, the typical stay averages around 86 days.
State health department logs show a lot of daily clinical resources and an unpenalized regulatory track record. On average, residents get 4 hours and 10 minutes of direct nursing care each day, with registered nurses covering 1 hour and 38 minutes of that total. The home also keeps a broad medical team on site, including a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, a dietitian, and physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists.
Looking at the paperwork side, Delaware state inspectors have logged zero financial fines or penalties over the last three years. While standard inspections have turned up minor issues over the years regarding food service, pharmacy storage, and general care charting, all of them were quickly resolved, and the facility has zero serious or critical violations on its record.
Families looking at local multi-level care options or a place for post-hospital recovery can use these state reports to see how the facility runs. The public records describe a smaller, well-staffed nursing environment with great daily nurse coverage and a clean regulatory record, outside of standard administrative fixes.
Nestled on 27 acres in Dover, Westminster Village is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers seniors aged 55 and older the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives beyond retirement. This community introduces Thrive Wellness, a resident-driven approach to senior living that emphasizes six dimensions of wellness. They have exceptional dining options, fitness classes, wellness programs as well as beautiful gardens.
Seniors at Westminster Village have the flexibility to tailor their own experience, with a comprehensive range of senior living services available as needed, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing as well as Rehabilitation.
Tucked in the picturesque Pike Creek Valley is Cardia Healthcare, a two-story house that serves as a haven for those in need of care and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation suites here are private and semi-private, offering a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere for residents to recover and heal. With advanced therapeutic technologies tailored to individual needs, they also offer extensive respiratory care in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. At Cardia Healthcare, they value the importance of family and visitors, which is why they provide ample parking and a spacious outdoor setting. The team of professionals here boasts expertise and the highest quality of nursing and rehabilitation care. They prioritize helping residents transition smoothly and regain their maximum level of functioning to enable them to return home as soon as possible. Dialysis services are also available, making Cardia Healthcare a comprehensive care center.
A community where patriotism and Delaware lifestyle meet, the Delaware Veterans Home encourages its veterans to find a new meaning of a quiet and peaceful way of life. Camaraderie is located in the atmosphere of the community and is found in how management and staff honor the retirement home. Seniors are ensured to maintain an active and enjoyable lifestyle in a restful new home.
In a nursing care home for veterans, residents are given fully-furnished bedrooms to enjoy leisure and spiritual activities, specialized programs, and healthy, delicious meals available. Its skilled nursing services include rehabilitative therapies– speech, occupational, and physical. A pathologist is available on-site.
Located in the charming town of Hockessin, Delaware, Complete Care at Brackenville is a nursing home community that takes great pride in fostering meaningful relationships with both residents and staff. With the mantra “Complete Care. Caring For You Completely!®,” they offer personalized rehabilitation and long-term care programs, connecting residents with the expertise of exceptional medical professionals to ensure each recovery journey is tailored to individual needs. With a hands-on approach, they create a warm and loyal environment, making everyone feel like family. Their unwavering commitment revolves around one central goal: providing extraordinary care and compassion to improve the lives of those they serve.
Shipley Living is a senior living community that houses services for independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing living options. Awarded as the ‘#1 Best in Customer Satisfaction’ for 4 years in a row, management practices a results-driven approach to quality senior living. The resident-centered community understands the importance of meaningful relationships and the importance of family, which is why it highly practices a resident-centered approach to holistic wellness for seniors. Shipley Living is where residents thrive and live their best lives possible.
Residents of all housing are provided essential amenities and services that help with day-to-day activities such as concierge services, fitness classes, housekeeping, maintenance, a library, a swimming pool, and a hair salon available in the community. These are all offered with the thought that residents would want to have a relaxed and stress-free lifestyle.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Delaware
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Delaware?
Assisted living in Delaware is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does Delaware Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Delaware Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 43 nursing homes in Delaware. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Delaware?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Delaware, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Delaware?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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