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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
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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
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Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other DE nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 43 on this page. See how we rank facilities
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.
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.
Oakbridge Terrace at Country House in Wilmington, DE offers assisted living, memory care, nursing home and skilled nursing care, along with respite care. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication while a resident remains in their own living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care around the clock.
Respite care offers a short stay while a usual caregiver travels or recovers. With 40 beds, the community is smaller in scale, giving staff and residents the opportunity to get to know each other. The combination of assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing can suit a resident whose care needs may increase over time without requiring a move to another community.
Rehabilitation services and short term rehab provide therapy during recovery within the same care setting. A fitness center, pool and walking paths offer places for exercise and outdoor walks. Medicare and private pay are accepted: Medicare covers short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence, while private pay means a family pays directly. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours 22 minutes per resident per day, representing the nursing time available for each resident’s daily care, and Jennifer Greenwalt serves as the administrator.
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.
The Moorings at Lewes Assisted Living offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Lewes, DE. Independent living provides a private living space with community services and no daily care, while assisted living offers help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.
Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. The community may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time, since moving between care levels can happen without leaving the community or starting over socially. That continuity can matter when a resident needs more support later.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may help with eligible longer term care, and private pay means paying directly. Annette V Moore serves as the administrator, and total nurse staffing is 4 hours 10 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to an individual resident.
The Lewes Historic District has a Walk Score of 65 out of 100, making the area somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot for a resident who no longer drives. A pool provides an on site place for swimming or water based activity, while rehabilitation services support recovery or help a resident maintain function as part of their care.
Enjoy the retirement of your dreams with the blissful senior living community of Stonegates residing in the peaceful lands of Kennet Pike, Greenville, DE, that features assisted living and memory care. The community strives to provide a haven for seniors’ private moments with a selection of cozy and meticulously designed apartments and cottages. As a privately owned community, Stonegates strives to provide the finest retirement for seniors to thrive and gain meaningful experiences.
Ideally situated in the scenic grounds of Greenville with nearby convenient amenities, the community ensures seniors’ needs and desires are easily accessible. Prepare your meals with the well-equipped kitchen in your residence or enjoy meal times with friends through various dining options. Stonegates strives to provide a haven for seniors to live their best years doing the things they love.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.
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
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.
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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