State Profile: Delaware
Welcome to the Delaware State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.
Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu
SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey
DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR AGING AND ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES (State Unit on Aging)
State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
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The Home Modification Program
The statewide Delaware Home Modification Program pays for modifications to be made to the home of a person age 18 years or older with a permanent or long-term physical disability. Modifications are made to permanent residences only. Funds are made available when no other funding source is available or when funds from another source are not adequate to pay for the needed modifications.
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Delaware Diamond State Health Plan (DSHP) Plus
The Delaware Diamond State Health Plan is a Section 1115 Waiver program administered by Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. It includes certain home mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair ramp, handrails for interior or exterior stairs or steps, grab bars) and minor physical adaptations to the interior of a residence to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the resident or that increase mobility and accessibility within the residence, such as widening of doorways or modification of bathroom facilities.
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Nursing Home Transition Program
The Nursing Home Transition Program is a state-funded program led by Delaware Health and Social Services’ Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). The overall goal of the program is to identify, inform and assist nursing home residents, especially those who are Medicaid-eligible, who want to move to a community-based setting. The program offers individualized case management to accomplish this goal.
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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI)
It helps Delawareans find and try tools that support learning, communication, personal care, employment and leisure pursuits. DATI raises awareness of assistive technology (AT) through community events, such as health fairs and exhibits, and offers training to people with disabilities, families and professionals. DATI also operates several programs that help people acquire the tools they need.
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
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Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers several accessible living programs, including services and education about making homes safer and more supportive. They have a Resource and Technology Demonstration Center that allows visitors to try hundreds of assistive devices on display, search through catalogs of products, and experience accessible room demonstrations (e.g., kitchen, bath) with home modification possibilities. Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore also has low-interest loans for accessible living.
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Home repair programs
The Newark Senior Center, in partnership with the Community Services Corporation, serves homeowners who are age 60 and older living in the City of Newark by providing free minor home repairs and weatherization services. Services include home modifications such as hand and stair railings, grab bars, ramps, and widened doorways. Eligible recipients include City of Newark homeowners who are age 60 and over whose household income does not exceed $40,000.