Best Nursing Homes in Delaware

9 of 44 nursing homes (20%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#42 of 50 states

9 recommended · 22 avoid · 14 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

9

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

9 recommended 3 caution 22 avoid

National Rank

#42

Below Average

Total Facilities

44

across 14 cities

Facilities to Avoid

22

19 Grade F

$2,883,245 in combined fines

Best City

Seaford

67% recommended

State Average

3.3

CMS star rating

Delaware vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Delaware and national averages
Metric Delaware National Verdict
% Recommended 20% 31% ✗ Worse
Average CMS Stars 3.3 3.0 ✓ Better
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The Delaware Reality

Nursing home care in Delaware presents a mixed picture for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. Currently, the state ranks 42nd out of 50 in the nation, with only 20% of facilities recommended by users—significantly lower than the national average of 31%. This ranking indicates that families may face challenges when searching for reliable nursing homes, highlighting the need for thorough research and careful consideration.

While there are facilities worth highlighting, such as Exceptional Care for Children in Newark, which boasts an impressive Trust Score of 93 and stands out as a top-rated option, the overall landscape is concerning. Seaford emerges as a beacon of hope, with 67% of its nursing homes recommended by users. However, families should remain cautious, as 22 facilities are flagged as ones to avoid, including 19 that received F grades. Furthermore, the total fines amounting to $2,883,245 underscore systemic issues within the state's nursing home care, which families should be wary of when making their decisions.

In navigating the nursing home options in Delaware, families should prioritize a few key factors to ensure quality care. First, they should examine the Trust Scores and CMS star ratings of potential facilities, as these metrics offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided. Additionally, reviewing the history of fines can help identify facilities with troubling practices. By focusing on these elements, families can make more informed choices and find a suitable nursing home that meets their loved one's needs, despite the challenges present in the state’s overall care landscape.

Quality Trend

Is Delaware improving or declining?

2024
23%
2025
21%
2026
20%

Delaware quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Delaware nursing homes

Facilities to Avoid

There are 22 facilities in Delaware recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $2,883,245, Delaware nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Delaware

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Delaware

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Seaford

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Seaford

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Delaware compare to neighboring states?

Delaware ranks 42nd in the nation for nursing home quality, which places it below many neighboring states. For example, Pennsylvania and Maryland generally offer higher quality ratings and more recommended facilities compared to Delaware.

What percentage of nursing homes in Delaware meet quality criteria?

Only 20% of nursing homes in Delaware meet the recommended quality criteria, which is significantly lower than the national average of 31%. This indicates that residents and families may need to conduct thorough research when selecting a facility.

Which city in Delaware offers the best nursing home care?

Seaford is recognized as the city in Delaware that offers the best nursing home care. It is known for having higher-rated facilities compared to other cities in the state.

What is the cost of a private room in a Delaware nursing home?

The cost of a private room in a Delaware nursing home averages around $11,000 per month. This figure may vary depending on the specific facility and its amenities.