Map of Delaware

Delaware · Resources

The numbers you actually need — Delaware.

Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.

If you need help right now

Report elder abuse

1-800-223-9074

Delaware APS, 24/7

Medicare questions

1-800-633-4227

1-800-MEDICARE, federal

Local community help

211

2-1-1 — food, transport, rent, anything

State Medicaid agency

The office that determines eligibility and runs the program

Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA)

DMMA administers Delaware Medicaid, including the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP+) long-term services and supports program. Apply at ASSIST Delaware or in person at a DSS office.

Aging services — your entry point

Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging

Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)

Delaware's single statewide aging and disability resource center. Operates the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) hotline and coordinates long-term services.

Adult Protective Services

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number

Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)

Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan

Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB / ELDERinfo)

Delaware's federally-funded SHIP program, housed in the Delaware Department of Insurance. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

State health department

Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities

Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH)

Licenses and inspects nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies in Delaware.

Finding a lawyer

Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified

Delaware State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)

Statewide nonprofit. Operates the Elder Law Program, Disabilities Law Program, and Fair Housing project.

Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS)

Pro bono civil legal services to low-income Delawareans.

Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (LSCD)

Civil legal services for low-income residents.

Nonprofits worth knowing

State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state

Alzheimer's Association — Delaware Valley Chapter

Serves Delaware along with parts of PA and NJ. 24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups.

AARP Delaware

State office for advocacy and caregiver resources.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore

Adult day programs and respite for caregivers; provides assistive technology support.

Other hotlines

Numbers worth saving in your phone

  • Medicare (federal)

    1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.

    1-800-633-4227
  • Delaware ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center)

    Single point of entry for aging and disability services in Delaware.

    1-800-223-9074
  • Delaware 2-1-1

    Local community resource referrals, 24/7.

    211

Forms & templates

Official Delaware document references

  • Delaware Durable Personal Power of Attorney

    Statutory form under Title 12 Chapter 49A (Delaware Durable Personal Power of Attorney Act, effective 2010). Notarization required.

  • Delaware Advance Health-Care Directive

    Combined living will + health care power of attorney under 16 Del. C. §2503. Witnessed or notarized.

  • Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (DMOST)

    Delaware's POLST-equivalent for patients with serious illness. Completed with a clinician.

Key statutes we cite

Delaware laws referenced across our topic guides

CitationSubject
12 Del. C. §49ADelaware Durable Personal Power of Attorney Act
16 Del. C. §2503Advance Health-Care Directive
12 Del. C. §3570 et seq.Qualified Dispositions in Trust Act (Delaware Asset Protection Trust)
12 Del. C. §3300 et seq.Delaware Trust Act
12 Del. C. §1201Wills — execution and witnesses
31 Del. C. §3901 et seq.Adult Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation reporting
10 Del. C. §4914Homestead exemption (limited — modest amount)

More from Delaware

Phone numbers, websites, and statute citations on this page are verified at publication and re-reviewed quarterly. If something looks wrong, please tell us.