How to Start a Home Care Business in Delaware: The Ultimate Guide

Key Highlights: How to Start a Home Care Business in Delaware (2025 Updates)

• Delaware’s senior population is booming. Nearly 21% of residents are aged 65+, making home care a high-demand sector.
• Licensing is mandatory. You must secure a license from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) before providing services.
• Business formation. Register your business entity with the Delaware Division of Corporations and obtain an EIN from the IRS.
• Comprehensive policies and procedures are required. These must comply with state and federal regulations and are essential for both licensing and accreditation.
• Staffing and training. Hiring qualified, compassionate caregivers is critical for compliance and client satisfaction.
• Medicaid and Medicare. Certification and enrollment are necessary to serve clients with these payers.
• Expert help is available. Consulting services and ready-made policy templates can dramatically streamline your launch and compliance.

Welcome to CarePolicy.us, your trusted partner in launching and growing home care agencies with confidence. If you’re considering starting a home care business in Delaware, you’re entering a rapidly growing market - but also a highly regulated one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, highlight unique local insights, and show how CarePolicy’s expert solutions can help you succeed.

Starting a home care business in Delaware can be rewarding, but navigating the regulations requires expert guidance. Consider our Licensing Consultation Service to ensure a smooth process.

Why Delaware? Market Opportunity and Demand

Delaware’s aging population is projected to grow significantly over the next three decades, with seniors preferring to “age in place” and remain in their homes. This demographic trend is fueling demand for both skilled and non-medical home care services. Agencies that deliver quality, compliant care are poised for long-term success.

Step-by-Step: Launching Your Delaware Home Care Agency

1. Understand Regulatory Requirements

Delaware law requires any home care or home health agency to obtain a license from the DHSS before beginning operations. This applies to both skilled nursing/therapy and non-medical personal care/companionship services.

• Licensing fees: $500 nonrefundable application fee, $300 annual licensure fee.
• Provisional licensing: New agencies start with a 90-day probationary license; full licensure is granted after a successful compliance inspection.
• Separate licenses: Each office location must be licensed separately.

Delaware DHSS Home Health Agencies Licensing

2. Register Your Business Entity

You’ll need to choose a business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.) and register with the Delaware Division of Corporations. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is also required for tax and payroll purposes.

Delaware Division of Corporations

3. Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan

A detailed business plan is essential for mapping out your services, staffing, marketing, and financial projections. This plan is also crucial for licensing and for attracting investors or lenders.

Home Care Business Plan - Any Agency - Any US State/Federal

4. Prepare State-Compliant Policies and Procedures

Delaware requires agencies to maintain written policies and procedures covering all aspects of care, staff training, client rights, infection control, and more. These documents will be reviewed during your licensing inspection and are critical for ongoing compliance.

Delaware Customized Policies and Procedures

5. Secure Your Delaware Home Care License

Submit your application to the DHSS, including your business plan, policies and procedures, proof of insurance, and staff qualifications. After a 90-day probationary period, a full inspection will determine if you receive a one-year renewable license.

Delaware Health Care Quality Division

6. Hire and Train Qualified Staff

Recruit caregivers who meet Delaware’s experience and training requirements. Home health aides must complete at least 75 hours of approved training and 16 hours of clinical practice. Ongoing education and background checks are mandatory for all staff.

• Partner with local nursing schools or offer competitive wages to attract top talent.
• Reddit insight: Many agency owners report that underpaying staff leads to high turnover and compliance risks.

7. Enroll as a Medicaid and/or Medicare Provider

To serve clients covered by Medicaid or Medicare, agencies must complete provider enrollment and, for Medicare, achieve federal certification. This process is complex and requires meticulous documentation.

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment

8. Market Your Agency and Build Community Partnerships

Effective marketing—both online and through local partnerships (hospitals, senior centers)—is key to attracting clients. Highlight your compliance, staff qualifications, and any specializations (e.g., dementia care) to stand out.

Unique Insights: What Reddit and Real Owners Say

• Expect regulatory hurdles. Licensing can be slow and requires detailed documentation. Consulting with experts saves time and reduces errors.
• Cash flow is critical. Medicaid and Medicare payments can be delayed; maintain cash reserves.
• Quality over quantity. Agencies that focus on staff training and client satisfaction build better reputations and grow faster.
• Niche services win. Specializing in high-need areas like ALS or dementia care can set your agency apart.

Why Policies & Procedures Matter-And How CarePolicy Can Help

Policies and procedures are the backbone of your agency’s compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency. They’re not just paperwork - they’re your first line of defense in a state audit and the foundation of quality care.

• State and federal compliance. Our templates are designed to meet Delaware and federal standards, as well as Medicare and ACHC/CHAP accreditation requirements.
• Instant customization. You get ready-to-use documents tailored to your agency’s services and structure.
• Lifetime updates. Regulations change-our clients get ongoing updates to stay compliant.

Get your Delaware-ready documentation

Expert Consultation: Your Shortcut to Success

Launching a home care agency is complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. CarePolicy offers end-to-end consulting, from business formation and licensing to accreditation and staff training. Our ACHC certification means you’re working with the best in the industry.

To maximize your success, leverage our Licensing Consultation Service for expert support from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need an office in Delaware? Yes, you must maintain a physical office in the state, and each location requires its own license.
• Can I bill Medicaid/Medicare right away? No, you must complete provider enrollment and, for Medicare, achieve certification. This can take several months.
• What are the biggest startup challenges? Navigating licensing, recruiting qualified staff, and maintaining cash flow during the initial months.
• How much does it cost to start? Startup costs typically range from $50,000–$150,000, depending on location, staffing, and marketing.
• How can CarePolicy help? We provide everything you need: business plans, policies, procedures, and expert consulting-all tailored for Delaware and backed by ACHC accreditation.

Ready to Launch? CarePolicy Is Your Trusted Partner

Starting a home care agency in Delaware is a rewarding journey—but it’s filled with regulatory, operational, and staffing challenges. CarePolicy.us is here to streamline every step, from your first business plan to your first client visit.

• Expertise. ACHC-certified consultants with deep Delaware experience.
• Compliance. State-ready policy templates and real-time updates.
• Support. End-to-end consulting, so you never face a challenge alone.

Start your Delaware home care agency with confidence- choose CarePolicy.us today.