Caring for Wilmington’s Future — How Local Trends Shape Homecare Needs Today

Caring for Wilmington’s Future — How Local Trends Shape Homecare Needs Today

By Judy, Director of Care Coordination
Steps Homecare Services | CHAP-Accredited Excellence in Delaware

Wilmington is changing—and so are the needs of its older population. As Delaware’s baby boomers age and more residents choose to stay in their homes, homecare is no longer just a convenience — it’s a critical component of senior well-being.

At Steps Homecare Services, we’re on the front lines of these shifts. Here’s a closer look at three major local trends in Wilmington, and how we’re adapting our care to meet current needs.

1. A Surge in Long-Term Care Costs in Delaware

Long-term care expenses in Delaware have been climbing rapidly — especially in Wilmington. According to recent surveys, the cost of home health aide services in the state has spiked significantly. Business Wire

This means that aging in place is becoming more financially attractive, even as care becomes more expensive. For many families, investing in high-quality homecare is more cost-effective (and emotionally comforting) than considering institutional options.

How Steps Helps:

  • We design custom care plans that match a family’s budget and care goals, avoiding unnecessary costs.

  • Our CHAP-accredited services bring professional help into the home, reducing reliance on expensive facility-based care.

  • We guide families through options — from part-time support to more intensive care — so they stay in control of their financial and health futures.

2. The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Challenge Hits Closer to Home

Wilmington families are feeling the impact of a growing Alzheimer’s challenge: more local seniors are being diagnosed, and the demand for dementia-capable care is rising. delawarelive.com

Meanwhile, a state-level push is underway to train more health workers in geriatric and dementia care. In June 2025, Delaware launched a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program aimed at improving how professionals care for older adults. milfordlive.com

How Steps Helps:

  • Our caregivers receive specialized training in dementia care, helping clients and families navigate memory-related challenges.

  • We provide cognitive engagement, companionship, and structured routines to reduce stressors for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

  • Because we’re based in Wilmington, we are familiar with local resources, referrals, and how to coordinate with medical professionals in New Castle County.

3. Aging in Place Policy & Housing Innovation in Delaware

Delaware’s government is taking aging in place seriously. The 2024-2028 State Plan on Aging prioritizes home and community-based services, recognizing that many older Delawareans prefer to stay in familiar neighborhoods. Delaware Health and Social Services
At the same time, AARP Delaware is pushing for more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — smaller, age-friendly living spaces on existing properties — to support multigenerational living. AARP Local

In Wilmington, where housing demand and density are growing, these policy innovations could reshape how families care for elders.

How Steps Helps:

  • We support clients living in ADUs or aging in their longtime homes — helping with daily tasks while preserving independence.

  • Our caregivers integrate with families to provide continuity of care, even if a senior moves to a new but nearby housing option.

  • We partner with community stakeholders to understand local housing trends, enabling us to better advocate for care models that work in Wilmington.

What These Trends Mean for Families in Wilmington

  • More families are choosing homecare as an essential — not a luxury.

  • Memory care is shifting from institutions to homes, with more demand for compassionate, specialized in-home support.

  • Local policy is evolving, lowering barriers to aging at home and supporting creative housing solutions.

At Steps Homecare Services, we see these changes not as challenges — but as opportunities to deliver care that is flexible, dignified, and deeply rooted in our Wilmington community.

A Personal Note from Me

If you’re living in Wilmington and thinking about what comes next for your parent or loved one, you’re not alone. These trends can feel big and complicated — but that’s why we’re here.

Reach out anytime. We’ll walk through your options, talk about what matters to your family, and help you build a plan that makes sense — for now, and for the future.

Judy – Director of Care Coordination
Steps Homecare Services
915 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE
302-803-5354
admin@stepscenterde.com

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