Getting Started
You don't have to figure this out alone. Here's what to expect — from your first call to move-in day — and how our care team will be with you through it.
We're glad you're here
Deciding where a parent, spouse, or you yourself will heal or live is one of the hardest decisions a family makes. If you're feeling overwhelmed, that's normal — and you're not alone. Our care team will walk you through every step, answer the questions you didn't know you had, and help you feel confident in whatever you decide.
Types of Care & Admissions
Cadia Healthcare serves Delaware residents with two primary admission pathways:
Short-Term Rehabilitation
Typical Stay: 2 weeks – 3 months
- Post-surgery recovery (joint replacement, cardiac, fractures)
- Post-hospitalization (stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, sepsis)
- IV antibiotic therapy requiring skilled nursing
- Complex wound care requiring daily nursing
- Physical therapy after injury or illness
Coverage: Medicare Part A typically covers 20–100 days (criteria must be met).
Long-Term Care
Typical Stay: Months to years (permanent residence)
- Advanced dementia or Alzheimer's requiring 24/7 supervision
- Multiple chronic conditions preventing safe home care
- Progressive diseases (Parkinson's, ALS, MS)
- Need for ongoing skilled nursing and ADL assistance
- Caregiver burnout or absence of family support
Coverage: Delaware Medicaid (DSHP Plus), long-term care insurance, or private pay.
What to expect, step by step
Let's start with a conversation
Who reaches out: a family member, a hospital case manager, or the physician. Call our care team at (302) 449-3400 — we'll listen first, then ask a few questions to understand what you're dealing with.
- Patient name, date of birth, current location
- Diagnosis and medical conditions
- Current medications and treatments
- Mobility level and assistance needs
- Insurance information (Medicare, Medicaid, private)
We review what your loved one needs
Timeline: usually within 24 hours. Our clinical team reviews records and discharge summaries so we can confirm we're the right fit for the level of care required.
- Medical complexity and nursing needs
- Therapy requirements and rehab potential
- Insurance authorization and coverage
- Bed availability at preferred Delaware facility
Come see the place (when there's time)
If the situation isn't urgent, we'd love to show you around. Walk the halls, see the rooms and therapy gym, and meet the people who'll be caring for your loved one. Tours available Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM, weekends by appointment.
Handling the details together
Timeline: 15–30 minutes. We'll walk through the paperwork with you — and if this is a hospital discharge, we coordinate with the hospital directly so you don't have to be the middleman.
- Admission agreement and financial responsibility forms
- HIPAA authorization and privacy notices
- Advanced directives (living will, healthcare power of attorney)
- Medicare/Medicaid enrollment forms
- Resident rights acknowledgment
Move-in day
We'll coordinate transport from the hospital. Bring family if you can — it makes a real difference. Plan for 2–4 hours of settling in, paperwork, and a few introductions.
- Greeted by nursing staff and admissions coordinator
- Settled into private or semi-private room
- Physician or NP performs admission assessment
- Therapy evaluation for rehab admissions
- Social worker meets family to discuss care planning
The first week — and we're with you after, too
Our care team builds a plan tailored to your loved one. Therapy usually starts within 24–48 hours. Within 7–14 days we'll sit down as a family to talk through goals, timeline, and anything worrying you.
Insurance & Payment Options
Medicare Part A
Who qualifies: Patients 65+ (or disabled) hospitalized 3+ consecutive days needing skilled nursing or therapy.
- Days 1–20: Fully covered (no co-pay)
- Days 21–100: Co-pay required ($204/day in 2026)
- After Day 100: Medicare ends; transition to Medicaid or private pay
Delaware Medicaid (DSHP Plus)
Who qualifies: Delaware residents 65+ or disabled meeting income/asset limits.
- Income limit (2026): $2,829/month
- Asset limit: $2,000 individual
- Processing time: 45–90 days (we accept pending Medicaid)
- Our social workers assist with applications
Medicare Advantage
Most Medicare Advantage plans cover skilled nursing similarly to Medicare Part A. We verify coverage before admission. Accepted plans include Highmark, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna.
Long-Term Care Insurance
We accept most long-term care insurance policies. Provide policy information to admissions and we'll verify coverage and file claims on your behalf.
VA Aid & Attendance
Delaware veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits ($2,300+/month) to help cover long-term care costs. Our social workers assist with VA applications.
Private Pay
Short-term rehab: $400–550/day. Long-term care: $300–450/day depending on care level and room type. Payment by check, credit card, or electronic transfer with monthly billing.
What to Bring on Admission Day
Essential Documents
- Medicare card and supplemental insurance cards
- Medicaid card (if applicable)
- Driver's license or photo ID
- Social Security card
- List of current medications with dosages
- Advanced directives (living will, power of attorney, MOLST)
- DNR order if applicable
- Recent medical records or hospital discharge summary
Personal Items
- 7–10 days' clothing (comfortable, easy to remove — label all items)
- Non-slip slippers, supportive shoes for therapy
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, deodorant, lotion)
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures (labeled with name)
- Walker, cane, or wheelchair if you own one
- CPAP machine if used for sleep apnea
- Family photos and personal comfort items
- Phone or tablet with chargers (WiFi available)
Do Not Bring
- Medications (we provide all; bring a list only)
- Valuables or large amounts of cash
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Space heaters or electrical appliances
Delaware Resources for Families
Division of Social Services (Medicaid)
Apply for Delaware Medicaid (DSHP Plus) long-term care benefits.
dhss.delaware.gov · 1-800-372-2022
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Aging services, caregiver support, and long-term care options.
dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd · 1-800-223-9074
Delaware Medicare Assistance Program (DMAP)
Free Medicare counseling and help choosing plans.
insurance.delaware.gov · 1-800-336-9500
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Resident rights advocacy and complaint investigation.
ombudsman@delaware.gov · (302) 255-9390
Delaware Veterans Affairs
Veterans benefits and VA Aid & Attendance applications.
veteransaffairs.delaware.gov · (302) 326-4400
Alzheimer's Association Delaware
Support groups, education, and caregiver resources for dementia families.
alz.org/delaware · 1-800-272-3900
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are visiting hours?
Visiting hours are flexible — typically 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with extended hours available by arrangement. For short-term rehab, we encourage family participation in therapy sessions. Overnight stays can be accommodated in private rooms when medically appropriate.
Can I choose my loved one's roommate?
For semi-private rooms, we consider preferences when possible. Private rooms are available at all facilities — no extra cost for Medicare rehab; additional cost applies for long-term care.
How often will I receive updates?
Nurses provide daily updates to family contacts. Weekly updates come from therapy (for rehab). Care conferences are scheduled every 30 days or sooner if requested. Social workers are available anytime for questions.
What if my loved one has dietary restrictions?
Our registered dietitian develops individualized meal plans for diabetes, renal diet, low-sodium, texture modifications (pureed, mechanical soft), and allergies. Kosher and halal meals can be arranged with advance notice.
Can my loved one keep their personal physician?
Residents may keep their personal physician if the doctor has privileges at our facility. Otherwise, our Medical Director or attending physicians provide care, with coordination with outside specialists as needed.
How do I apply for Delaware Medicaid?
Our social workers guide families through the Delaware Medicaid application. We accept pending Medicaid applications and work with the Division of Social Services to expedite approval. Medicaid planning and spend-down guidance is available.
What if rehabilitation isn't progressing as expected?
Therapy teams reassess weekly. If goals aren't being met, we discuss adjusting goals, increasing therapy intensity, or transitioning to long-term care if returning home safely isn't feasible. Families are involved in all decisions.
Can my loved one leave temporarily for family events?
Yes — therapeutic leaves and passes are available for family events, holidays, and medical appointments. Coordinate with nursing at least 24 hours in advance. Medicare and Medicaid allow therapeutic leave while holding the bed.
Get Started
Not sure where to start? That's okay.
Our care team is here Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM. Call, email, or stop by — whatever feels easiest. We'll listen first, then help you figure out the next step.